The recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the president declined to rule out the use of military force 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint 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 overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
