The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the vast landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful rebuke: "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 picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
