The latest American military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have allegedly focused on the vast landmass following the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant television interview, the leader declined to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying great-power competition 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered 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 shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now 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 who could intervene about it," she concluded.
