The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have ignited worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly focused on the strategically important landmass following the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing global competition 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 stated.
He characterized 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 international security."
Growing Tensions and Local 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 "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
