The recent American bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its president have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Merely hours after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media interview, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of 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 stated.
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."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
