Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Merely hours after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally 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 ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and 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 reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy director specializing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
