The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed unease regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence 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 couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
