Recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have ignited unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the vast island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for national security and potential resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
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."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
