The latest American military action in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the strategically important landmass following the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Only hours following the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying global 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying 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."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station 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.
