The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget this year, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television interview, the president declined to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power 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 take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had once discounted 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 troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
