The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television interview, the leader declined to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
