American Military Operation on Caracas Raises Fears of Future Greenland Annexation.
Recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its president have ignited worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media interview, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power rivalry 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy director focusing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
