Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly focused on the vast island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Merely a short time following the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior White House aide, shared a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media interview, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
