The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have sparked unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, shared a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing 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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
