US Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Concerns of Potential Danish Territory Annexation.
The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours after the initiation of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying great-power rivalry 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 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."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy director specializing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
