The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion 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 strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing 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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
