The latest American bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the strategically important island in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and future resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and stern 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 picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
