The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media interview, the president declined to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing global 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
