The latest American strike in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly focused on the resource-rich landmass following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Merely hours after the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget this year, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "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 territory's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis 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 couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
