The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Merely hours after the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media interview, the leader refused to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response 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 prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director focusing 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 station a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
