The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have ignited unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the vast landmass following the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Only a short time after the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum expressly for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous 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 "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing global competition 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
