The latest American military action in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's political movement have allegedly focused on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Only hours following the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, shared a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the president declined to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing 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 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 global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
