The latest American strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have renewed worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a large amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying global 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 stated.
He characterized 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 global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern 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 vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted 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 soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
