Recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the vast island in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
