The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its president have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Merely a short time after the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
