The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its president have sparked apprehension regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the vast island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage
Only hours following the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture showed 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 swift and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during 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 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 international security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating 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."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
