The recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage
Only hours following the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television interview, the leader declined to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing great-power 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 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."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
