The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the vast island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours following the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget this year, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the president refused to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying great-power 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."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy director specializing in defence admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
