Getting to Denmark
Is Denmark a great country? This article series says yes, and seeks to explain why.
The great political scientist Francis Fukuyama, author of the groundbreaking book “The End of History and The Last Man”, initially wanted to call one of his later books “Getting to Denmark”. His publisher thought that this title was misleading and that readers would think that the book was a travel guide. Instead, Fukuyama chose a title that was a bit more to the point; “The Origins of Political Order.” (2011).
Fukuyama explains that Denmark is a state that is: “well governed, peaceful, prosperous and uncorrupt” (Source: Francis Fukuyama: Getting to Denmark, Youtube.). Although Fukuyama points out that he doesn't mean to literarily copy each aspect of Danish society, it is quite interesting that this small country in Scandinavia acts as such an inspiration for one of the world's leading political scientists.
And Fukuyama is certainly not the only one looking towards Denmark. In the Democratic primary debates in 2016, an clear memory of mine was certainly when Hillary Clinton declared “We are not Denmark” (See the embedded video.). Denmark was not a minor topic in the presidential election; many also remember Donald Trump joking about nuking the country. Again, this small country has been mentioned time and time again. The discussion of whether or not societies should strive to be more like Denmark (a Nordic welfare state), has been a substantial topic in many large countries.
But why Denmark? There are other smaller European countries that also have created great societies, but I can name three aspects that make Denmark stand apart. First off, because Denmark doesn't enjoy wealth from any natural resources, as for example Norway (Oil). Secondly, Denmark is not a “purveyor” of financial tricks, contrary to Switzerland, Ireland or Luxembourg. Thirdly (and most controversially), Denmark doesn't have has great issues with immigrants and migrants as Sweden. Actually, what makes Denmark quite unique is how ordinary it is.
Denmark is of course far from perfect. Politicians in Denmark are in as great disagreements as in any democracy.
My intention is to showcase the very best parts of Danish society, so that readers outside of Denmark can be inspired of how to make concrete policy changes to improve their country. A second intention is to write positive articles. Ever so often, the goal of journalism is to sensationalize stories and in doing so, the stories become negative. I am completely convinced that our world is getting better and better, but we rarely get to say it.
But from what point of view is this all being written? This is an ambitious project, but do I have any credentials to back this up? To give a short presentation of my self, I am a 19-year-old Danish-French-American who majored in political science in high school, and I am currently working as a substitute teacher. I am born in the USA, where I grew up until I was 8, to then live one year in France and then to move to Denmark.
Therefore, it has always been natural for me to compare these three countries. And the most dominating comparison in the series will be between Denmark and the U.S.A.
But, the entire series will not only be about putting Denmark in a positive light. In one of the last installments, I will show some of the greatest challenges the country is facing.
It may be that Fukuyama was talking about a metaphorical Denmark, but this series is going is going to interpret him literally. I hope that you follow me in the journey of how to get to Denmark.
