The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have renewed unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the strategically important island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time following the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally 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 Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television appearance, the president refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
