The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Only a short time after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally 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 North."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a large sum expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, 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 envoy commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank 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 few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
