The latest American bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass following the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our 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 ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television appearance, the leader declined to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power 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 described 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 Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued 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 nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
