The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the vast island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Only hours after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power competition 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
