The latest American bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Only hours following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, shared a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media appearance, the president refused to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing global rivalry 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy director specializing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
