The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the resource-rich landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, shared a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate 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 Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and future resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media interview, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
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 cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy director focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible 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 do anything about it," she concluded.
