The recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Only hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy director specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
