The latest American military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have ignited unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Merely a short time following the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
