The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the vast landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the president refused to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, 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 forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy director specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
