The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the vast landmass following the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both 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."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
