The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have ignited unease regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, shared a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget this year, allocating a large amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power rivalry 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 stated.
He characterized 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 Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
