The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have sparked worry regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the vast island in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television interview, the president refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying global 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
