The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have ignited worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage
Merely hours after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative 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 overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media interview, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing global 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "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 overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy director focusing in military analysis admitted 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 couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
