The recent American strike in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, shared a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television appearance, the president declined to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power competition in the polar region. "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 take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified 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 nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
