The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time after the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were further complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and future resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global competition 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 value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint 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 shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy director focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently 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 not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
