Recent American military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to 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 cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
