The latest American strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's political movement have allegedly focused on the vast island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Merely a short time after the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media interview, the president refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued 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 shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
