The recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its president have sparked unease regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Merely a short time following the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic 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 land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a large amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
