The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the vast landmass following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Only a short time following the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate 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 United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
