American Attack on Caracas Raises Concerns of Potential Danish Territory Acquisition.
Recent American military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have sparked unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the vast island following the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget this year, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television interview, the leader declined to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying great-power competition 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "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 territory's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard 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.
