Recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Merely a short time following the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media interview, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
