Recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its president have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly focused on the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours following the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air 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 acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing 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 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 global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
