The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its president have ignited worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have allegedly focused on the strategically important landmass following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Only hours after the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing global 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued 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 shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
