The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have ignited worry regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the vast landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Only a short time following the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political 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 openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
