The latest American strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the strategically important landmass following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor 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."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying global 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
