The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours following the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and future resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during 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 remarked.
He described 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."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
