The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the vast island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Only hours after the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate 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 pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television interview, the president declined to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing 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 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 global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered 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 sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
