Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media interview, the president refused to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power competition 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 look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
