The recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have sparked apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the vast landmass following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage
Only a short time after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the president declined to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during 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 stated.
He described 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."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" 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 delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
