Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have renewed unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Merely hours following the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power competition 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 take care of, 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 unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
