The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its president have ignited unease regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly focused on the resource-rich island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid 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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
