The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have sparked worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the vast island in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Only a short time following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget this year, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television interview, the president refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position 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 stated.
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."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
