The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have ignited apprehension regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Merely a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over 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 also scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
