The recent American military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have sparked apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours following the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying 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, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media appearance, the president declined to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying great-power 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."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful 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 territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
