The latest American bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its president have ignited worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the strategically important landmass following the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Only a short time following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
