US Military Operation on Venezuela Stokes Fears of Potential Danish Territory Acquisition.
The latest American military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time following the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media appearance, the president refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.