The latest American military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the vast island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt threat to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget this year, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television interview, the leader declined to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had once discounted 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 soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
