Recent American military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Only a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media appearance, the leader declined to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance 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 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 international security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
