The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the vast island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Only a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing global 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 stated.
He described 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 global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted 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 couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
