Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have renewed worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Only hours after the initiation of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying great-power competition in the polar region. "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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
