The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its president have ignited worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Merely a short time following the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor 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."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing global competition in the Arctic. "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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
