The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its president have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, shared a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media interview, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power competition 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
