The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, shared a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued 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 complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
