The latest American strike in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the resource-rich island following the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Only hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together 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 US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television appearance, the president refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power rivalry 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 Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified 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 reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst 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 few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
