The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television interview, the president declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy director specializing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
