The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage
Merely a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and future resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media interview, the president declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 described 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 Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy director focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
