US Attack on Caracas Fuels Fears of Future Danish Territory Takeover.
The recent American strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have renewed unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the vast island following the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Only a short time following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television interview, the president declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented 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 must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
