Recent American strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have ignited unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the vast landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US 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 guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for defence and future resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media interview, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, 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 delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy director focusing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
