US Attack on Venezuela Stokes Fears of Future Danish Territory Annexation.
Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have ignited unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the strategically important landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Merely a short time following the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
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 openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.