Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time following the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’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 Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant television interview, the president refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying great-power rivalry 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence 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 few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
