The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Merely a short time following the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador 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 substantially increased its military budget this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the president refused to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
