Recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have sparked worry regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve 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."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television interview, the president refused to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position 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 remarked.
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 international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric 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 inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
