Recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the vast landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Merely a short time following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media interview, the president refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power competition 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 remarked.
He characterized 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."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" 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 delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
