Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Merely hours following the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant television interview, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy director specializing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
