Recent American strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly focused on the vast island following the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for national security and future resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying global rivalry 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 international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.