Recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the vast landmass following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power 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 remarked.
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."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued 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 overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
