The recent American military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, shared a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt threat to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a large 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 Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television interview, the leader declined to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
