The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly focused on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Only hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered 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 nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
