The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared 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 the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television interview, the president declined to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing global 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded 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 couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
