The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Only a short time following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to 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 administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media interview, the president refused to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance 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 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 international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric 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 unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
