Recent American strike in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated 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 significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of 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 repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and potential resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media appearance, the president refused to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now 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 unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
