The recent American strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the vast landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Merely a short time following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent 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 volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the president refused to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
