The recent American strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global rivalry 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 global security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now 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 not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
