The latest American bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have ignited apprehension regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget this year, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for national security and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
