The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the vast landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Merely a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television appearance, the president declined to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
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 annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
