American Military Operation on Venezuela Stokes Anxieties of Future Greenland Takeover.
The latest American strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have renewed unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the vast landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, shared a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media interview, the president refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global competition in the polar region. "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 cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
