The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have ignited worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage
Merely a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity 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 appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media interview, the president declined to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power 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."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a unified and forceful rebuke: "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 independence from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
