Danish Prince Sees Defense Industry as Path to Heal US-Denmark Relations.
In a challenging geopolitical climate, Danish Prince Joachim is advocating for strengthened ties between Denmark and the United States through the defense industry. As Denmark’s defense industry attaché in the U.S., he has launched initiatives aimed at fostering collaboration between military manufacturers from both nations.
Prince Joachim’s Mission to Build Transatlantic Bonds
Prince Joachim, who works out of the Danish Embassy in Washington D.C., is on a mission to enhance the relationship between the Danish and American defense sectors. He emphasizes that the fundamental goal is to “strengthen the transatlantic bond,” crucial for the stability and unity of NATO. Amid tensions around issues like Greenland, where President Donald Trump suggested a forceful acquisition, Prince Joachim remains focused on positive connections within the defense industry.
In early June, the prince participated in a significant export promotion event hosted in Washington D.C., organized by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defence, and Dansk Industri. This gathering was not only an opportunity for Danish companies to showcase their capabilities but also designed to foster direct collaboration with American firms. The event featured speed networking sessions, speeches from key figures, and networking opportunities against the picturesque backdrop of the White House.
Strengthening a Microscopic Industry
Despite the size disparity between Denmark’s and the U.S.’s defense industries—Denmark’s market being described as “microscopic” compared to the knife-sharp American sector—Prince Joachim believes that Denmark can play a meaningful role in global defense. He insists that Danes must demonstrate their value to the Americans, declaring, “We need to show the Americans that we are indispensable.”
These efforts come at a time when Danish politicians and experts have pointed out the potential benefits of focusing on European defense markets instead of relying heavily on the U.S. Rasmus Jarlov of the Conservative Party has voiced concerns over America’s leverage in defense negotiations, cautioning against becoming too dependent on U.S. weapons.
Acknowledging Political Tensions
While recognizing the political challenges presented by figures like Trump, Prince Joachim professionally navigates a complex landscape. Since becoming defense industry attaché in 2023, he has witnessed the emergence of a foreign policy crisis between the U.S. and Denmark. However, he remains determined to focus on the defense industry, drawing an analogy between operating under “terrain” and “weather,” where the terrain represents the U.S. as an ally and the weather symbolizes the administrative complexities that come with differing U.S. administrations.
Joachim reflects that Denmark must be resilient and adaptable in maintaining its partnership given the increasing demands for military material as the country undergoes its largest defense expansion since World War II. This requires strategic relationships with reliable partners, regardless of shift in political climates.
Hope for Future Partnerships
As the dust settles from the recent promotional events and the ongoing discussions within the defense sector, both Prince Joachim and his team are optimistic about the road ahead. By reaffirming their commitment to fostering strong ties between Denmark and the U.S., they are optimistic that valuable partnerships will arise despite the current complexities of international relations.
In a time fraught with uncertainty, the Danish defense industry remains committed to playing a pivotal role in global security, focusing on partnerships that can lead to lasting, beneficial outcomes for both Denmark and the United States. With initiatives such as these, there is hope that the potential for mutual growth and stability will prevail, paving the way for future collaborations amidst turbulent geopolitical waters.
