The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the vast landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time following the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for national security and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
