Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have ignited worry regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly focused on the resource-rich landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Merely a short time following the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television interview, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance 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 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."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy director focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
