Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered 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 shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
