The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Only a short time following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny 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 constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
