The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have renewed worry regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the vast island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Only a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt threat to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power competition 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
