Recent American strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have renewed unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the strategically important island following the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Only a short time following the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying global 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
