The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the vast island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Only hours following the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television interview, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
