The recent American military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have renewed unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media appearance, the president declined to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power 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 stated.
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 response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
