American Attack on Caracas Raises Anxieties of Future Danish Territory Annexation.
The recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the detention of its president have sparked worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, shared a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget recently, allocating a large sum specifically for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television interview, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid 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 remarked.
He described 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 Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified 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 vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
