American Attack on Venezuela Stokes Fears of Future Greenland Annexation.
Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have ignited unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt threat to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying great-power rivalry 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 Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued 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 territory's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
