Recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the strategically important island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Only a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget this year, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television interview, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers 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 take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst 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 few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
