Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its president have ignited worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours after the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media interview, the leader declined to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing global rivalry in the polar region. "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 look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
