The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the vast landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time following the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House aide, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying 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 praised the president's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing great-power 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.