The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the vast island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally 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 expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the president refused to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
