The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have renewed unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The situation were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television interview, the leader declined to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global rivalry 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified 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 territory's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
