SRP om udenrigspolitisk aktivisme

Abstract

This paper investigates the Danish active foreign policy following the end of the Cold War and how it corresponds with the national collective memory. Initially a short account of the distinction between and transition from adaption to activism in Danish foreign policy is given in order to establish an appropriate understanding of the theories to properly appreciate the following analysis and discussion. The Danish collective memory and how it is reflected in the foreign policy is analyzed with a focus on social science books from 1987 and 2016 as well as a speech given by the former prime minister, Anders Fogh Rasmussen. An argument for the use of a diachronic, historiographic approach on social science books is given. It is discovered that there is a clear contrast between the two interpretations of Denmark’s position in the world in the two books, where the latter one is dominated by a progressive view of Denmark’s development, which is in clear opposition to the book from 1987. Upon establishing the change in the collective memory and the national perception of Denmark in the world, its ability to act as a small state in the world is discussed. It is concluded that the international institutions NATO, UN and the EU all hold options for the small state to optimize its influence by acting as norm-entrepreneurs, mediators between large states or lobbyists, despite a series of factors especially related to geography, population and economy. Finally it is discussed whether Denmark’s foreign policy can be characterized as activism rather than adaption to the USA. This is concluded to be unlikely due to the independent ecological and humanitarian profile of Danish foreign affairs activism.

Indkredsning og afgrænsning

Nærværende opgave bygger på præmissen om, at fortiden er til stede i nutiden, som en erindring, der gradvist bevæger sig mod en fælles national tolkning. Denne vil således afspejle den danske udenrigspolitiske kurs, der efter den kolde krigs afslutning ændredes markant. Indledningsvist redegøres for tilpasning, samt overgangen til aktivismen, og herefter følger en analyse af den danske kollektive erindring. Det empiriske grundlag for analysen er blevet afgrænset til samfundslitterære skolebøger af Hans Branner fra 1987 og 2016, samt en tale af daværende statsminister Anders Fogh Rasmussen ved en mindehøjtidelighed for ophøret af samarbejdspolitikken.