Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass following the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Merely hours after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint 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 shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy director specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
