Military activism in pursuit of security and status – why Denmark became a frontrunner on Ukraine after the Russian invasion

Denmark positioned itself as the largest global Ukraine donor measured as

percentage of GDP during 2022–2026 in order to restore its battered status in

NATO and enhance its own security. Denmark had used disproportionate force

contributions to international operations very successfully to create frontrunner

status in NATO and Washington and contribute to international security in the

1990–2014 period. However, unwilling to spend more on defence and meet

NATO’s new capability goals designed to counter the rising Russian threat,

after 2014 Denmark lost its high status in the Alliance. This made it an obvious

choice to use Ukraine donations in the same way as force contributions to

restore Denmark’s standing in the Alliance and improve its national security.

Denmark can be expected to maintain its high level of support in the years to

come because it is the most effective way to enhance Danish and European

security in a world where American support in the event of a Russian attack on

NATO no longer can be taken for granted.