The recent American strike in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have ignited worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television appearance, the president declined to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "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 residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy director focusing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
