The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have renewed unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the vast landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media interview, the president refused to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying global competition 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
