US Military Operation on Venezuela Raises Fears of Future Danish Territory Annexation.
The recent American strike in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the vast landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a large sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television interview, the leader refused to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing 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 stated.
He described 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 Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint 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 shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst focusing 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 few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
