The latest American military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This overt threat to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a large amount expressly for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, 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 envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a unified 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 picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
