The recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders 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 complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station 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.
