The latest American strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Only hours after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget recently, allocating a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television interview, the president declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying great-power competition 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 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 Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
