The latest American military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the strategically important landmass following the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Merely hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy director focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
