The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the vast island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also 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 Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant television interview, the president refused to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and forceful statement: "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 vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy director focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard 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.
