The latest American military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have renewed unease regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Merely a short time following the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing 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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis admitted 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 few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
