The recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its president have ignited unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’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 ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying 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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered 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 nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy director focusing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
