American Military Operation on Caracas Fuels Anxieties of Potential Danish Territory Acquisition.
The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy 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 military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media interview, the leader declined to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing 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 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 Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no 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 Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
