Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our 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 highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power rivalry 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 global security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
