The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were further complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global competition 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 "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 persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
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 reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy director focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
