The latest American strike in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media appearance, the president declined to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying great-power competition 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously 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 troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
