US Attack on Venezuela Fuels Fears of Potential Greenland Takeover.
The latest American military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the vast landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts 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 high-ranking White House aide, shared a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both 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."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
