The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its president have sparked worry regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the vast landmass following the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Only a short time after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during 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 characterized 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 Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy director specializing in defence admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
