The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have ignited unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours following the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American 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 US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying great-power 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 described 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 Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
