The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its president have ignited apprehension regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the vast island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media interview, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying global 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted 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 soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
