Recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Only a short time following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for national security and future resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying global 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 stated.
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 global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
