Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have ignited worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing great-power 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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy director specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
