The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the resource-rich landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget this year, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions 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 volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying great-power 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 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 Local Resistance
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
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 annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
