The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Only hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the president refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power rivalry in the Arctic. "I don't rule it out. I don't say I'm going to do it, but I don't rule out anything... We need Greenland very badly," he remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
