The recent American military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have ignited worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the vast island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media appearance, the president declined to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing great-power 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 remarked.
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 Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in defence admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
