The recent American bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have allegedly focused on the vast landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time following the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media interview, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power rivalry 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
