The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage
Merely hours following the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing global 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy 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.
