The recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island following the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Only a short time after the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television appearance, the president declined to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both 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 shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy director specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
