American Military Operation on Venezuela Raises Anxieties of Future Danish Territory Takeover.
The recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the vast island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying global 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.