The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have allegedly focused on the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’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 Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media interview, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global competition 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 international security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy director focusing in defence conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
