The latest American military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the vast island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Only hours after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, 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, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy director specializing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
