Recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Merely a short time following the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep 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 collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying great-power 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 take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both 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 complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis admitted 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 couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
