The latest American bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly focused on the resource-rich landmass following the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Merely hours following the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television interview, the president declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global 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 remarked.
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."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "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 vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
