Recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the vast landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Merely hours after the initiation of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a large amount expressly 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 Goals
The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television interview, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying great-power rivalry 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 characterized 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."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
