Recent American military action in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the vast landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours following the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television interview, the president declined to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying global 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying 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 cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are now reconsidering 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."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
