The latest American bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have sparked worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have allegedly focused on the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
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 "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of 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 stated.
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."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified 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 shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric 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 inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
