Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the resource-rich island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Only a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, shared a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
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 officials.
"We 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. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity 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 wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing global 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service 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 take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy director focusing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
