The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have renewed apprehension regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours after the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global competition 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 cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
