The recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have ignited unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the vast island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted 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 inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
