The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Merely hours following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing global 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
