Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have renewed unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the strategically important landmass following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Merely hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate 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 ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media interview, the president refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying great-power 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 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."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a unified 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 picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
