The latest American bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have sparked worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly focused on the resource-rich island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies 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. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
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 demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television interview, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power rivalry 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling 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 on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
