The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Merely a short time following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated 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 further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a large amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media appearance, the president refused to rule out the use of military force 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
