The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed unease regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official 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, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global 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 take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
