The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Merely a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget recently, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media interview, the president declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global competition 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 global security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy director 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 few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
