US Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Concerns of Future Greenland Acquisition.
The recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have renewed unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly focused on the resource-rich island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Only a short time following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and future resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing 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 value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy director focusing in military analysis 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 couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
