The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the vast landmass following the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Merely a short time following the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "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 issued a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek independence 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.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
