American Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Anxieties of Future Danish Territory Annexation.
Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the strategically important island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power rivalry in the Arctic. "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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
