The latest American military action in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a large sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
