The latest American bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media interview, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and 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."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
