Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have ignited worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Only hours following the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for national security and future resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television interview, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power 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 remarked.
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 global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "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 overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy director focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
