Recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have renewed worry regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the vast landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Merely hours after the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget this year, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 stated.
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, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
