The recent American strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the vast island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Only hours following the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media interview, 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
