The latest American military action in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have renewed unease regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying great-power rivalry 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "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 scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy director specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
