The latest American bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have renewed worry regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Merely hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’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 North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders 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 special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying global rivalry 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
