Danish Security Policy in the Seventies: Continuity or Change?

In: Cooperation and conflict: journal of the Nordic International Studies Association, Band 7, Heft 3-4, S. 139-170

Abstract

The author aims at defining the parameters of Danish security policy in the seventies, both in its external aspects (alliance policy, etc.) and in its internal aspects (defence policy). The study is based upon the public debate and – in particular – recent official reports on security policy which are presented in some detail. After analysing the historical background, the study sets out to present official Danish views of the international environment, both at the global, regional and sub-regional levels, and in more detail, of its implications for Danish national security. The study then goes on to analyse trends in Denmark's external security policy, and it concludes that there is not much prospect of significant departures from present policy. Finally, the current debate on defence policy is presented with special attention to the analysis of the new Defence Act of 1973 and its formulation.