The latest American bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island following the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Only a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying 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."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and 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."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
