The latest American military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly focused on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
