American Attack on Venezuela Fuels Fears of Future Greenland Annexation.

The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.

Provocative Messages and Official Outrage

Only a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "COMING."

This overt suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.

"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."

The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a notable media interview, the president refused to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 remarked.

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 international security."

Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance

In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire 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 increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.