The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have sparked unease regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the commencement of the Caracas campaign, 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 stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television interview, the president refused to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power rivalry in the polar region. "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 cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders 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."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director 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 not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
