American Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Fears of Potential Greenland Acquisition.
Recent American strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have renewed unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the vast landmass following the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, 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, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
