The recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This overt threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the president refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing global competition 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 look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying 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 must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
