The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours after the initiation of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance 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 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 global security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered 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 reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
