Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have sparked worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Only a short time after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media interview, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power rivalry 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 look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
