Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the vast island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position 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 remarked.
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 international security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both 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."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
