The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have sparked unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, shared a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were further complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful 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 sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy director specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now 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.
