The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have sparked worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Only hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a large sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television appearance, the president refused to exclude 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered 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 reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
