The recent American military action in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed unease regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt threat to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media interview, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and 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 picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy director specializing in defence 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 few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
