The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have ignited worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget this year, earmarking a large sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative 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."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid 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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy director specializing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
