The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget this year, allocating a large amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media interview, the president refused to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
