Recent American strike in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the vast landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Only a short time following the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered 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 shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy director specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
