The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours after the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
