The recent American strike in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked unease regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours following the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and future resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television interview, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying great-power 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "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 complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
