The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have ignited unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have allegedly focused on the resource-rich landmass following the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media interview, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying global rivalry 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary 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."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
