Recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the resource-rich landmass following the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Merely hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget this year, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
