Recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have renewed unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Merely hours after the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing 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 value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
