The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours following the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media interview, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire 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 described 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 Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
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 cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
