The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its president have ignited worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the vast landmass following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant television interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 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 Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
