Tomás Ó Flatharta

Diplomatic and Political skirmishes between the USA and western European governments – Ireland, Denmark, France to name but a few – are spreading.

Here is a case study.

Copenhagen is not amused by Yankee covert operations in Greenland :

Denmark summoned the top U.S. diplomat in Copenhagen on Wednesday after Danish media reported that Americans with ties to President Donald Trump had carried out covert influence operations in Greenland.

Danish broadcaster DR reported that at least three U.S. citizens linked to the U.S. government were involved in activities that, reportedly, authorities fear could be used covertly to support Trump’s desire to make Greenland part of the United States.

Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said the U.S. chargé d’affaires — currently its most senior diplomat in Denmark — had been summoned in response. He called any interference in Danish affairs “unacceptable,” and emphasized that Copenhagen “will of course not accept covert operations on our territory,” in a statement emailed by his ministry, according to the AP.

The news is spreading :

Yankee Spies in Greenland – “We do not spy on friends” declares Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen

When powerful governments publicly argue like this – in this case the former (?) friends Denmark and the USA – is it useful to declare “a plague on both your houses”?

The answer is No. Concrete analysis is needed, and concrete answers must be promoted.
The war of words escalated after a provocative visit by Donald Trump’s vice president JD Vance to Greenland in April 2025.