The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed apprehension regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Only a short time after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global 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 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 global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy director focusing in military analysis conceded she had once 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 few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
