The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Merely a short time following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global 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 international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
