Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Merely a short time after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing global competition in the polar region. "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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
