The latest American strike in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Only a short time following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power competition 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both 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."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
