Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have sparked worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours following the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media interview, the president declined to exclude the resorting to 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 remarked.
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 international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
