Recent American strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
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 president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media interview, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders 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 shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
