The latest American bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage
Merely a short time after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid 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 broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media interview, the leader declined to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
