The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Merely hours following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic'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 North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying global 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a unified 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 sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy director specializing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
