The recent American military action in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Merely a short time after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget this year, earmarking a large sum expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment 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 serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media interview, the president refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
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 take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now 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 which power could intervene about it," she observed.
