The recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have ignited unease regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage
Only hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, shared a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media interview, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance 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 Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
