Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media appearance, the president declined to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying 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."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
