The recent American bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media interview, the president refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
