The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated 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 "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power competition 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
