The recent American strike in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have ignited unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Merely hours following the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance 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 take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
