The latest American bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the vast landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Merely a short time following the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift 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 our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television interview, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing 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 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 Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
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 must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
