US Attack on Venezuela Stokes Concerns of Potential Greenland Acquisition.
The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have renewed unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the vast island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for national security and potential resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television interview, the president declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
