The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have ignited worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Merely hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, shared a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power competition 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 look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful 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 island's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility 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 deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
