American Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Concerns of Future Danish Territory Acquisition.
The recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Only a short time following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, shared a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is also 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 significantly boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were further complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television interview, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued 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 reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.