The latest American military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying 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 Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint 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 complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence 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 soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
