The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the strategically important island following the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing global competition in the polar region. "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 take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
