The recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have allegedly focused on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This overt threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television appearance, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global 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 "tiny 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 Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
