American Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Concerns of Future Greenland Acquisition.
The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have ignited unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Only hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power 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 remarked.
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 global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy director specializing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
