The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the vast landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media interview, the president refused to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying 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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
