The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media interview, the president refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish 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 cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy director specializing in defence admitted she had once 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 couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
