The recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the initiation of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget this year, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media interview, the leader declined to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying great-power competition 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 take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, 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 issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
