The latest American strike in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment 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 military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television interview, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying great-power 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 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 international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy director specializing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
