Recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours following the initiation of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget this year, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military 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 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 look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
