Recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours after the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a large sum expressly for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television interview, the president declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing great-power rivalry 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" 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 both Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
