The latest American bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should keep work together 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 work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying great-power 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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny 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 Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted 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 soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
