Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked 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 envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global rivalry 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
