🔗 Share this article American Attack on Venezuela Raises Fears of Future Greenland Annexation. Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the vast island following the operations in the southern hemisphere. Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash Merely hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "COMING." This overt suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials. "Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic." The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized. Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US." Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics." Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base. Leaving the Door Open to Force In a significant media interview, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power competition in the polar region. "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 cherish them... But we need that for international security." Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk." The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful 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 complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years. Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario? Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure." "It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the vast island following the operations in the southern hemisphere. Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash Merely hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "COMING." This overt suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials. "Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic." The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized. Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US." Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics." Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base. Leaving the Door Open to Force In a significant media interview, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power competition in the polar region. "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 cherish them... But we need that for international security." Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk." The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful 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 complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years. Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario? Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure." "It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.