Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Only a short time following the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, shared a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget this year, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power rivalry 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
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."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority 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 option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy director focusing in defence admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
