The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the leader declined to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power 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 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."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service 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 stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
