The latest American strike in the South American nation and the detention of its president have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard 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 intervene about it," she observed.
