US Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Concerns of Future Greenland Annexation.
The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US air 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 amid 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling 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 cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
