US Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Fears of Potential Greenland Annexation.
The recent American military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Only a short time after the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power 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 global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently 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.
