American Attack on Venezuela Raises Concerns of Future Danish Territory Takeover.
Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern 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 residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now 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 who could intervene about it," she observed.
