Recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have sparked unease regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Only a short time after the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire 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 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 international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
