The latest American bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is also Greenland’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 additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy director focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
