US Attack on Venezuela Raises Anxieties of Future Danish Territory Annexation.
The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked apprehension regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’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 diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget this year, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, 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 representative praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and future resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media interview, the president declined to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing global competition in the Arctic. "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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst 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 station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
