The recent American military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the vast landmass following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time following the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media interview, the leader declined to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power 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 Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern 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 residents seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy 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 concluded.
