Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the vast landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Merely a short time following the initiation of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power 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 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 international security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
