The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have ignited apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Merely hours following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
