The latest American bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the vast island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Merely a short time after the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global 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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint 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 vast majority of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric 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 unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
