The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Merely hours following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget this year, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying global rivalry 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint 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 picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
