Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have renewed unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly focused on the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time following the initiation of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep 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 US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment 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 work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television interview, the president declined to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing 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 deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
