Recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Merely a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media appearance, the president declined to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
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 take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek independence 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.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
