The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Only a short time following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for defence and future resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media interview, the president declined to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position 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 stated.
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."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
