The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Only a short time after the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the president refused to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy director focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
