Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have ignited unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, shared a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
