The latest American bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed unease regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media appearance, the president refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
