The shock military operation by the United States to storm Caracas and arrest Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro has sent tremors through the international community, raising urgent questions about what target President Donald Trump might set his sights on next.
From Caracas to the Arctic: A New World Order Threat
In the wake of the audacious Venezuela mission, which involved years of CIA intelligence gathering, fleets of warships, 150 warplanes, and hundreds of troops, President Trump has issued stark warnings. He has explicitly stated that Washington is looking at Greenland, Cuba, Mexico, Colombia, and even Iran for potential action.
For the United Kingdom, the most immediate and alarming crisis could be triggered by a US attempt to take over Greenland. Although self-governing, Greenland remains part of the realm of Denmark, a long-standing UK ally and fellow NATO member. Trump has repeatedly proposed annexing the mineral-rich Arctic territory, citing national security due to the growing threat of Russian hypersonic missiles.
"We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security," Trump stated, arguing the island would offer a superior early warning missile system. This ambition is underscored by the existing American Pituffik Space Base on Greenland, which houses early-warning radar but is deemed in need of upgrading.
Denmark's Fury and a "Fantasy" Land Grab
The Danish government has reacted with fury. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stormed that "the US has no right to annex any of the three nations in the Danish kingdom." Greenland's own Prime Minister, Jens Frederik Nielsen, dismissed the idea as a "fantasy," telling Trump, "that's enough now."
Despite these objections, concerns are mounting. Trump has belittled Greenland's defences, mocking Denmark's efforts to bolster security as akin to adding "one more dog sled." Speculation was further fuelled when former Trump administration official Katie Miller posted a map of Greenland coloured in the Stars and Stripes with the caption: "soon."
Analysts suggest that for Trump, freshly emboldened by the success in Caracas, Greenland may appear a less hazardous target than a militarised nation like Cuba. Secretary of State Marco Rubio added to the speculation regarding Cuba, the homeland of his family, stating "they're in a lot of trouble" and highlighting the regime's role in propping up Maduro.
Broader Fallout and a UK Security Dilemma
The seizure of Maduro, now in US custody with his wife, may plunge the US into years of mayhem and tension in South America. Furthermore, intelligence links between Caracas, Lebanese Hezbollah, and Iran could justify further action against Tehran—a huge endeavour potentially involving UK forces.
However, the potential US move on Greenland presents a profound constitutional and defence crisis for the UK. An attack on the territory of a NATO ally would force Britain into an impossible position, straining the vital transatlantic alliance while challenging the core principles of the pact. The operation in Venezuela has demonstrated Trump's unpredictable willingness to use special forces and military might to impose a new world order, with Greenland firmly in the crosshairs as a strategically simpler prize.
The coming weeks will test the resilience of international alliances as Europe scrambles to respond. For the UK, the unfolding situation represents not just a distant geopolitical shock, but a direct and imminent threat to its foundational security partnerships.
