The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have ignited unease regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and future resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media interview, the leader refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power 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 value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
