The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its president have sparked apprehension regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Only a short time after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy director specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently 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 concluded.
