The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have ignited worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time following the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media interview, the president declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power competition 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 characterized 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 Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy director specializing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
