The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage
Merely a short time following the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing global 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 Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
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 cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
