The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, 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 keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory'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 seek independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy director specializing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
