Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its president have ignited unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly focused on the resource-rich island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending recently, allocating a large sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance 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 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 global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
