The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its president have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the vast landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and future resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency 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 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 nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy director specializing in defence conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
