The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and future resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television interview, the leader refused to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power 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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "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 sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently 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 do anything about it," she concluded.
