American Attack on Venezuela Stokes Concerns of Future Greenland Annexation.

The recent American strike in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the vast island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Posts and Official Outrage

Merely a short time following the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."

This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."

The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a notable television appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power competition 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 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."

Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance

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

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

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.

Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?

Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric 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 do anything about it," she concluded.