Recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have ignited worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, 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 president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television interview, the leader declined to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global 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 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."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish 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 reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
