Recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have allegedly focused on the strategically important landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global competition 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 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 Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's 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 joint and forceful rebuke: "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 overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
