The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Merely hours following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve 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."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media appearance, the president declined to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing global competition 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy director focusing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now 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 which power could intervene about it," she observed.
