Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed worry regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly focused on the vast landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Merely hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer 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 wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction 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 Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
