Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have allegedly focused on the vast island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Only hours after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American 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 guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for defence 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 declined to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 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."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy director focusing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
