The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously 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 soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
