Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the vast island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Merely hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media interview, the president declined to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying great-power 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 remarked.
He characterized 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 global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy director focusing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
