The recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying great-power 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
