Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Only a short time following the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending recently, allocating a large sum expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power competition 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
