Recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm 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 Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power competition 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "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 picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis 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 couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
