The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Only hours after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, allocating a large amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
