Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the vast island in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing global rivalry 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions 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 "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
