The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing 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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
