The recent American military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly focused on the vast island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Only hours following the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying global 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 stated.
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."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
