Denmark, traditionally seen as a modest military player, is increasingly asserting itself as a pivotal defense actor in Europe. This shift is marked by a proactive stance in international security and a reevaluation of its role within European defense mechanisms.
Denmark's military history is rich and complex, characterized by periods of formidable power and significant setbacks. The Viking Age saw Danes as fearsome warriors in Europe. However, the loss of Eastern provinces to Sweden in the 17th century and the crushing defeat in the Second Schleswig War (1864) against Prussia and Austria marked the beginning of a more cautious approach to military engagements. This defeat, often referred to as the "1864 syndrome," led to a long period of armed neutrality, particularly evident during World War I when Denmark remained neutral.
The end of World War II was a turning point for Denmark. It joined NATO in 1949, aligning itself with Western powers, notably the United States, yet it maintained a defensive stance influenced by its historical experiences. During the Cold War, Denmark developed a robust military framework but remained cautious in its foreign policy approach.
In a significant move, Denmark collaborated with Germany, its former adversary, to establish a special army corps to defend the Baltic borders. This formation is considered by scholars like Klaus Karsten Pedersen to be the precursor to the Eurocorps, highlighting Denmark's evolving military strategy (source).
Despite its NATO membership, Denmark has often pursued a distinct path in European politics. In the 1980s, it adopted a more conciliatory policy towards the Eastern bloc, diverging from the typical American stance during the Cold War. This period, known as the "footnote era," underscored Denmark's capacity to forge an independent European policy.
The post-Cold War era saw Denmark adopting specific defense approaches that distinguished it from other EU nations. Although it opted out of certain aspects of the EU's Maastricht Treaty in 1992, Denmark played a crucial role in shaping the treaty and continued to contribute significantly to European defense. This was evident in its leadership in the Baltic policy and its early recognition of the independence of former Yugoslav republics.
Since the 1990s, Denmark has been active in international military missions. Danish troops have been deployed in numerous UN and NATO operations, often contributing a higher proportion of troops relative to its size. Notably, Denmark was instrumental in establishing the Multinational Stand-by High Readiness Brigade for United Nations Operations (SHIRBRIG), which has participated in missions across several continents.
In recent years, Denmark has focused on modernizing its military capabilities. A partnership with French defense company Nexter is part of this initiative, aimed at enhancing the Royal Danish Army's armored capabilities by replacing outdated M113 APCs with more advanced systems.
The debate over Denmark's role in the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) has been revitalized, with discussions about potentially revising EU defense opt-outs. Former Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen's proposal for a referendum coinciding with the 2014 European elections was initially rejected, but recent political developments suggest that a referendum might occur, reflecting a growing consensus on the need for full participation in the ESDP.
In conclusion, Denmark's military strategy has evolved from a historically defensive posture to a more assertive and proactive role in European and global security. This transformation reflects a broader reassessment of its strategic interests and capabilities, positioning Denmark as a key player in shaping the future of European defense.
