The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have ignited worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Only a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television interview, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global 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 Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
