The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the strategically important landmass following the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours following the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a large amount expressly for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing global 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 look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
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."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
