The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its president have sparked apprehension regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Merely hours after the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global 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 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 Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now 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.
