The latest American military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have ignited unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Only a short time following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television interview, the president refused to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying global 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
