The latest American military action in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly focused on the vast island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage
Only a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media interview, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing global rivalry in the Arctic. "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 look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
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 "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "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 complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
