The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Merely a short time following the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in defence admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
