Recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have ignited unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the resource-rich landmass following the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours following the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This overt threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the president refused to exclude the use of armed action 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny 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 response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
