US Attack on Venezuela Fuels Anxieties of Future Danish Territory Annexation.
Recent American strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget this year, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the president refused to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing 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 stated.
He described 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 Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted 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 on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
