Recent American military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage
Only hours after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television interview, the president refused to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing global competition 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 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."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
