A newly independent inquiry into Denmark’s military engagements, commissioned by the Danish Parliament, concludes that Denmark’s military engagements in the Middle East have had little to do with any direct threats to Danish national security. Rather, they are results of shifting governments’ eagerness to respond to U.S. demands and proving Denmark’s usefulness. Denmark is a “super Atlanticist,”[1] meaning that it unequivocally supports U.S. policies and its role in the world, and is willing to pursue even costly and risky policies to maintain its special relationship with the U.S. In contrast, “Atlanticist” countries, such as Holland, Belgium, Norway, and Greece, are also closely allied with the U.S., but have at times refrained from supporting or outright condemned U.S. foreign policies and wars. […]
There are other indications that Denmark in the longer run may change from a super Atlanticist to an Atlanticist. Already, today, the U.S. is no longer viewed as a guarantor of a liberal world order. U.S. positions on international trade, extraterritorial sanctions, and climate change also clash with Danish normative understandings of what the U.S. role in world politics should be. Politicians, especially in the center and center left, are increasingly calling for a stronger Danish orientation towards Europe and closer military cooperation with France and Germany. Läs artikel