The latest American strike in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have ignited worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the vast island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount expressly for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern 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 unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant television interview, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing global 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 remarked.
He characterized 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 Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "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 nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
