The recent American strike in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the vast landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Only a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television interview, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying global 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" 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 issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
