The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its president have ignited unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have allegedly focused on the resource-rich landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying global 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 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 global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek independence 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 Threat?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
