The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the vast landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Only a short time following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget this year, earmarking a large sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television interview, the president declined to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying great-power 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
