The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared 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 Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media interview, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
