The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have ignited worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the strategically important island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum expressly for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
