The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television interview, the leader refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying great-power rivalry 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency 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 stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
