Recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have allegedly focused on the strategically important landmass following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Merely a short time after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media interview, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying 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 take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "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 delivered 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 shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
