Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television interview, the president refused to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, 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 intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
