The recent American military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have ignited unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the initiation of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget this year, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing global 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
