So, one day in the future when Greenlandic schoolchildren are studying about their state’s independence will they see a picture of Louisiana Republican Gov. Jeff Landry in their textbooks?
Recently, GOP Pres. Donald Trump appointed Landry special envoy to Greenland. Special envoys are presidential picks, who may or may not be career foreign service employees, for temporary purposes to aid in a specific area of policy involving foreign states. Adding Landry to the roster (which may or may not require Senate confirmation) means the U.S. will have a baker’s dozen of these, most appointed this year by Trump.
It's unclear what exactly Landry’s new portfolio will be. Special envoys can have a day job and Landry certainly will keep his, but this may be a tactic by Trump on his quest to create more U.S. influence over the strategic geographic placement and resources that Greenland has. Trump has spoken of greater U.S. control over the area for security reasons, going so far as to say he would like to see it become part of the U.S.
Trump’s blunt full-speed-ahead diplomatic style on maximum display did not amuse Denmark. Greenland started out as a Norwegian outpost centuries ago, became Danish when that kingdom gained its independence from Norway, after World War II with decolonization was declared a part of Denmark, but in the last half-century has existed in a restricted free association with Denmark and increasingly has received more power over its domestic affairs from the Danes. Still, Denmark retains authority over military and foreign affairs.
In response, Denmark’s government summoned the U.S. ambassador for a dressing down, a standard technique when one government surprises another with an action that impacts negatively a core interest. Certainly, when a foreign leader muses that he’d like part of your territory and then appoints an envoy who expressed support for that, this might raise an alarm.
The Danish prime minister said she was entirely taken off guard by the action, and she and her Greenlandic counterpart emphasized that “[n]ational borders and the sovereignty of states are rooted in international law. Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders, and the U.S. shall not take over Greenland. We expect respect for our joint territorial integrity.” Greenland’s PM later cast the move as unexpected but not a big deal.
As is typical with public communications between states, much lies beneath the surface. Obviously, unless the U.S. breaks international law – not an option – it cannot incorporate Greenland without Denmark’s consent. But it could incorporate Greenland with Greenland’s consent.
In the latest iteration of Greenland’ evolution away from simple home rule, the territory was given the option to declare independence. And as Trump has expressed greater interest in Greenlandic association with the U.S., there is growing sentiment – difficult to gauge and certainly not yet a majority – among Greenlanders to accept that.
What could happen, and what Denmark wants to avoid, is for Greenland’s government to initiate the independence process, which culminates with a Greenlander referendum on the details. Then, an independent Greenland could make its own deals with the U.S. or even decide to enter into free association with the U.S., much like that enjoyed by the Federated States of Micronesia in the Pacific, that would give America control over its security.
Landry’s appointment is a Trump tactic to put greater pressure on Denmark to become more solicitous of U.S. security desires, such as greater cooperation with Copenhagen and its stepping up defense efforts for Greenland, that he thinks still insufficient even after increased efforts in the past year. Thus, Landry may never have to set foot in Nuuk (the capital hardly larger than his hometown where the colorful suits he often wears may prove too dazzling for the inhabitants, used as they are to their bleak surroundings much of the year) for Trump to realize his goal of greater U.S. access to Greenlandic land and minerals, but at least he could merit a mention in its history books.
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