The latest American strike in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the strategically important island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum expressly for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer 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."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing global rivalry 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 look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
