The latest American bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked apprehension regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should keep 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 guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, allocating a large sum expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying great-power competition 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 cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified 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 nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
