Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its president have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage
Only a short time after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House aide, shared a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television interview, the president refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power competition 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish 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 stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
