The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours after the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget recently, allocating a large sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power 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 stated.
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 international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
