The latest American strike in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have ignited unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Merely hours after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a large sum expressly for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying 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 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 global security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued 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 shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
