The recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have renewed unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass following the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Merely hours after the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power 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 "very small 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 constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern 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 complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently 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 do anything about it," she concluded.
