The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the vast landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Only hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong 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," stated 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 pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous 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 unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power rivalry 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified 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 shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy director specializing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
