The latest American bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate 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 US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the president refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's 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 statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
