Recent American military action in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Merely a short time after the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television interview, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
