The latest American bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its president have ignited unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the vast island following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours following the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American 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 diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media interview, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during 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 characterized 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."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
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."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
