The recent American strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have ignited worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television interview, the leader declined to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power competition 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 international security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued 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 nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy director specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
