Recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed apprehension regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours following the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a large amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television interview, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global rivalry 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 stated.
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."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued 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 shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
