American Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Fears of Future Greenland Takeover.
Recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its president have ignited unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim 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 close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power 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 remarked.
He characterized 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."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
