A Democratic Revolt? Stability and Change in Danish Security Policy 1979-1989

Abstract

Holm, H.-H. A Democratic Revolt? Stability and Change in Danish Security Policy 1979-1989. Cooperation and Conflict, XXIV, 1989, 179-197.

The events in many European countries following the intense security debates since 1979 have revitalized arguments about the relationship between democracy and security policy change. From Tocqueville onwards, many have argued that security policy should be shielded from the democratic process. An analysis of Danish security policy content and the decision-making process in the years 1979-1989 is used here to provide an answer to this debate. Representation, participation and information are used as indices for the democratization of Danish security policy, and it is concluded that despite a clear trend towards increased participation and information, both the content of Danish security policy and the decision-making process have remained stable.