Abstract
This study seeks to determine how the next Danish defence agreement (2024-2028) is
influenced by the current security threats facing Denmark, as well as the Danish desire
to maintain a high status within NATO. By use of neorealism, the study analyses the
external threats to Danish security as well as the internal threat of abandonment by its
allies. Subsequently, constructivism is used to analyse the importance of status to
Denmark, as well as the current perceived international status from a Danish and NATO
perspective.
The study finds that the current threat assessment facing Denmark is of an unseen
magnitude. It is increasing despite Danish and international attempts to counter it.
Furthermore, Denmark is subjected to an ever-increasing internal alliance pressure for
increasing the defence budget, since the Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014.
In addition to this, the study finds that status is an important policy-driver in Denmark
and that Denmark is willing to increase the defence budget to maintain it. However,
Denmark’s current international status is not in accordance with the state’s self-image
and Denmark is therefore subjected to harsh critic from NATO for not lifting its part of
the burden.
In conclusion it is therefore advised that Denmark increases the forthcoming defence
budget to effectively deal with external and internal threats, as well as the ability to stay
true to its self-image.