Recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have renewed unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior White House aide, shared a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power competition 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 stated.
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."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
