The recent American strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television appearance, the president refused to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying 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 look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers 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 take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy 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 couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
