Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass following the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media appearance, the president declined to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing global rivalry 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered 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 reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
