The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media interview, the leader declined to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy director specializing in defence conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
