The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed unease regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the strategically important island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media interview, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
