The latest American military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly focused on the strategically important landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the president refused to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "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 overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
