The recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have ignited worry regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the vast island following the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Only hours after the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction 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 leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued 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 shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy director focusing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
