The latest American bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Merely hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling 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 cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy director specializing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
