The latest American strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Merely hours after the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power competition in the polar region. "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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
