The recent American strike in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have ignited worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the vast landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Only a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending recently, allocating a large sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for defence and future resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television interview, the president refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "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 island's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
