American Attack on Venezuela Raises Concerns of Future Greenland Takeover.
The recent American military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have ignited unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the leader declined to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish 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 "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy director focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
