American Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Fears of Future Danish Territory Takeover.
The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have ignited apprehension regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media interview, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power competition 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
