The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed apprehension regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time following the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, shared a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying 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 representative praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media interview, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing global 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 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 Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued 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 picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric 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 which power could do anything about it," she observed.
