The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the capture of its president have ignited worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Only a short time following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing global rivalry 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and 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 reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in defence admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.