The recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the vast landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time following the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying great-power competition 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
