The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours following the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to 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, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and future resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global competition 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 international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful 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 vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director 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 station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
