The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed unease regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly focused on the vast island following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time after the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity 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 US president has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for national security and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television interview, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing global rivalry in the polar region. "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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed 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 couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
