The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the vast island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television appearance, the president refused to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing global 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 remarked.
He characterized 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 Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
