The recent American strike in the South American nation and the capture of its president have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the resource-rich island following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, shared a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant television interview, the president refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing 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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service 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 cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy director specializing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
