US Attack on Caracas Raises Anxieties of Potential Danish Territory Takeover.
Recent American strike in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time following the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep work together 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 US work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and future resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the leader declined to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position 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 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."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency 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 take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy director specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
