The latest American military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed unease regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Merely hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media interview, the president declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
