Recent American strike in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our 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 Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television interview, the president declined to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying great-power 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
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 annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
