Recent American bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for defence and future resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television interview, the president declined to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified 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 reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
