The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior White House aide, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television interview, the leader refused to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
