Recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed worry regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media interview, the leader declined to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire independence 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 over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in defence admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
