Recent American strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have ignited unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the strategically important island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and future resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the president declined to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy director specializing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
