The latest American strike in the South American nation and the detention of its president have ignited unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the strategically important island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together 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 United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television interview, the president declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "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 nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
