🔗 Share this article US Military Operation on Venezuela Stokes Anxieties of Future Greenland Annexation. The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its president have ignited worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere. Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage Only a short time after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON." This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish officials. "Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North." The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized. Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US." After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics." Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base. Leaving the Door Open to Military Action In a significant media interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying 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 characterized 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 Tensions and Indigenous Resistance In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented 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." Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years. Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat? Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy director specializing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure." "It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its president have ignited worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere. Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage Only a short time after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON." This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish officials. "Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North." The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized. Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US." After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics." Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base. Leaving the Door Open to Military Action In a significant media interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying 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 characterized 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 Tensions and Indigenous Resistance In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented 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." Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years. Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat? Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy director specializing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure." "It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.