Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have ignited worry regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Merely a short time after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television interview, the president refused to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying 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 look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
