The latest American bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have renewed unease regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the vast landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Only hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed interest 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 Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing 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 characterized 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 global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
