The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Only a short time after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It currently houses 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 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 remarked.
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 global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
