The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have sparked unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours following the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, shared a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together 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 collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted 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 who could do anything about it," she observed.
