The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have ignited worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Only hours after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This overt threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for defence and future resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media interview, the president refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and forceful 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 complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
