The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Only a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media interview, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing global competition 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency 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 take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
