The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have renewed unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Only hours following the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US 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 ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
