Recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Only a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Danish 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 Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum expressly for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media appearance, the president declined to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered 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 nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy director focusing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
