The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget recently, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing global 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence admitted 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 not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
