The latest American military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have allegedly focused on the vast landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours after the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media interview, the leader declined to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power competition 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 described 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."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy director specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
