The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the vast landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage
Only hours following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television interview, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing 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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders 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 sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
