The recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have renewed unease regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
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.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and future resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing global rivalry 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 remarked.
He characterized 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."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
