The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget recently, allocating a large amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television interview, the president declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy director focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
