The recent American strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the vast landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Merely a short time following the initiation of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for national security and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
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 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy director specializing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
