Recent American military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass following the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Only hours following the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's 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 unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
