The latest American bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media interview, the president declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy director specializing in defence conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric 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 which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
