Recent American military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage
Merely hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large sum expressly for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media interview, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position 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 remarked.
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 international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's 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 unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite 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 experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
