The recent American strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the vast island following the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Only hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate 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 Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state 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 role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing global rivalry 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 cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful 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 picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
