The recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its president have ignited unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have allegedly focused on the strategically important landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Merely hours following the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position 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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a unified 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 reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
