The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have ignited worry regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time after the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media appearance, the president refused to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
