The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the strategically important island following the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Only a short time following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated 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 additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media interview, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying global competition 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued 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 shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
