Recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Only a short time after the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing great-power 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
