Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic 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 also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, 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 commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television interview, the leader declined to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global 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 remarked.
He described 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."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy director focusing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
