Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global 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 stated.
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 international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy director focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
