The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its president have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television interview, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global rivalry 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 remarked.
He characterized 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."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy director focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
