The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the vast island following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours following the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing 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 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."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
