Recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important island in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Only a short time following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and future resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television interview, the leader declined to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying 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 look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful 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 nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
