The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time after the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’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 Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to armed action 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 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 international security."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful 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 sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy director focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
