The latest American military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, shared a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media interview, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both 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 picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy director focusing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
