The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have ignited worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the vast island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our 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 diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the president refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power rivalry 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 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 global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
