The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its president have ignited apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the vast landmass following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television interview, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power 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 described 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 Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
