The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its president have ignited apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Only a short time after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power 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 remarked.
He described 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."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
