Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a large sum expressly for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing 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 "very small 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 Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
