The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours following the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for national security and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy director specializing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station 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.
