The recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its president have sparked apprehension regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly focused on the vast landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Only a short time following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, posted a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global competition in the polar region. "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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy director focusing in defence 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 couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
