Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its president have ignited worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours after the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House aide, shared a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated 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 substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work 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 "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern 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 overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
