The recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media interview, the president refused to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
