The latest American military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the vast island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Only hours after the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media interview, the leader declined to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing global competition 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule 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.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
