Recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the vast island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Merely hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media interview, the president declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now 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 which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
