The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have ignited worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Only hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget this year, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying global 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy director specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
