American Attack on Caracas Raises Anxieties of Future Danish Territory Takeover.
The latest American bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Merely a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state 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 role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television interview, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid 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 stated.
He described 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."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy director focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
