The latest American bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its president have ignited worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Merely hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing great-power 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "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 vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
