The recent American strike in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed worry regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Merely a short time following the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power rivalry 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 described 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 Opposition
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 issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling 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 on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
