The latest American bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Merely hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media interview, the president declined to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling 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 on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
