The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have ignited worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass following the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Only hours after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s 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 highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a large sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global rivalry 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" 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 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 reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
