The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have renewed unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage
Only hours after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance 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 remarked.
He characterized 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 Local Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency 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 rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
