American Attack on Venezuela Fuels Fears of Potential Greenland Annexation.
The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic'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 diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the president declined to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying global rivalry 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
