The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Merely a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying 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 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 international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying 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 cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently 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 not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
