The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have ignited worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during 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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
