The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media interview, the president refused to exclude the resorting to military force 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence 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 couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
