The latest American strike in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have ignited worry regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the vast landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a large amount expressly for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position 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 global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
