The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed worry regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy director specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
