The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly focused on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage
Only hours following the initiation of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during 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 stated.
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."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified 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 territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy director focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
