The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep 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 US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing 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 remarked.
He described 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."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.