Recent American strike in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television interview, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing 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 stated.
He characterized 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."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence 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 inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
