The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the vast island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Merely hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media interview, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers 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 shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy director focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
