The latest American military action in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance 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 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 Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
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."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted 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 few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
