Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have ignited worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum expressly for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly 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 acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 stated.
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 international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
