The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending recently, allocating a large sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media interview, the leader declined 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, 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 unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted 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 couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
