US Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Anxieties of Future Danish Territory Takeover.
Recent American military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the strategically important island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment 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 "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing global competition 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 "tiny 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 reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy director focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
