The latest American military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the resource-rich landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
