Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have ignited apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Only hours after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the president declined to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing great-power rivalry 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful 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 picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
