The latest American military action in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the resource-rich island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally 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 North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media interview, the president declined to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance 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 stated.
He described 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."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
