Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have ignited apprehension regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant television interview, the president declined to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 remarked.
He characterized 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 Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's 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 unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy director specializing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
