The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as 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 president refused to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global 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 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."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
