The recent American bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have renewed unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global 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 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."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously 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 soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
