The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have ignited worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours after the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity 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."
Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 remarked.
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 international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy director specializing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
