US Military Operation on Caracas Fuels Anxieties of Potential Greenland Acquisition.
The latest American bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the strategically important island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing global 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 remarked.
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 global security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both 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."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy director specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
