The recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have ignited worry regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly focused on the resource-rich landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Merely hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The situation were further complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing global 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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern 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 overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy director specializing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
