Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the vast island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours following the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power competition 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful 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 complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted 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 few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
