The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its president have ignited unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours after the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power rivalry 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction 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 both Greenland delivered a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy director specializing in military analysis conceded she had once 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 on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
