Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior White House aide, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint 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 residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy director focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
