The latest American bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "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 independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted 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 soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
