The latest American strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" 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, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing global competition 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 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 Opposition
In response 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 both Greenland issued a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in defence admitted she had once dismissed 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 troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
