The recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the vast island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for national security and future resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power rivalry 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
