The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the vast landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Merely a short time following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television interview, the leader declined to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying great-power rivalry 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling 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."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
