The latest American military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Only hours after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
