The latest American strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have sparked apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours following the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global rivalry 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 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 international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful 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 sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
