The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island following the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television interview, the leader declined to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing 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 look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy director focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
