The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have ignited worry regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage
Only a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant television interview, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants 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 independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director 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 soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
