The latest American strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have ignited unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage
Merely a short time after the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, shared a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media interview, the president declined to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying global 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 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 Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
