Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important 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 leader refused to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 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 Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
