The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the vast landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Only hours following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television interview, the president declined to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying global competition 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified 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 complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy director specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
