The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the vast landmass following the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior White House adviser, shared a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
