The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Merely hours following the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media interview, the president refused to exclude the use of 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
