The recent American strike in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Merely a short time following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television appearance, the president declined to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power rivalry 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had once discounted 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 couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
