Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television interview, the president refused to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during 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 remarked.
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."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy director focusing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
