The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its president have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior White House aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television interview, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued 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 reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
