The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and future resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power rivalry 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
