Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have allegedly focused on the strategically important island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage
Only hours following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget this year, allocating a large amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying 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 value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy director specializing 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 station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
