Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant television interview, the president refused to rule out the use of armed action 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 remarked.
He described 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 Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint 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 nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy director specializing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
