American Attack on Venezuela Raises Fears of Future Greenland Acquisition.
Recent American strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have renewed worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the vast landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying great-power 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 stated.
He characterized 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."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek 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 over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
