Recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its president have renewed unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate 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 further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget this year, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor 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."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid 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 stated.
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 international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, 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 issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy director focusing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
