The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly focused on the vast landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time after the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television interview, the president declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global 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 issued a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
