The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have renewed unease regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television interview, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power 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 stated.
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."
Mounting 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 "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
