Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the strategically important landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Only hours after the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, shared a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power competition 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 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 Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
