The latest American strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the vast island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Only hours following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television interview, the president declined to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of 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 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."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek 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 seek independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
