The latest American bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the strategically important landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Merely hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our 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 additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power rivalry 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 described 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."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy director focusing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.