Recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have ignited worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Only hours following the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media interview, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying global rivalry 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 "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 Local Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful 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 sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
