The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the resource-rich island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time following the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny 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 Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had once 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 couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
