The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the resource-rich island following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Only a short time after the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically 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 media interview, the leader declined to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 stated.
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 global security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
