The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Merely a short time after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing global competition 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing 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 few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
