US Attack on Venezuela Fuels Concerns of Future Greenland Annexation.
The recent American strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have sparked unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Only a short time following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing global rivalry 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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
