Recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television appearance, the president refused to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power competition 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
