Denmark grapples with military failures in new documentary on Afghanistan

Significant parts of Denmark’s military efforts over the past 30 years have been deemed failures, according to a new documentary titled “Welcome to the Frontline.” Jesper Helsø, former Chief of Defence from 2002 to 2008, and Brigade General Ole Kværnø express this criticism, and Kristian Søby Kristensen, leader of the Center for Military Studies at the University of Copenhagen, largely agrees.

Kristensen highlighted the dismal outcomes in Afghanistan, stating, “It is hard to describe it as anything other than a failure.” He noted that despite efforts to impose military change in societies like Afghanistan, the anticipated transformations were overly optimistic, emphasizing, “Military power can achieve certain objectives, but it cannot fundamentally change other societies.”

Following the withdrawal of Western troops in 2021 and the Taliban’s resurgence, chaotic scenes unfolded as thousands of Afghans attempted to flee. The conflict in Afghanistan is estimated to have claimed around 176,000 lives since September 11, 2001, including over 46,000 civilians. Denmark also lost 37 soldiers during its deployment.

Kristensen observed that there is now a greater caution among Western nations regarding military interventions compared to 15-20 years ago. He explained, “We don’t see the same level of imagination when it comes to such operations,” reflecting a shift towards military restraint.

Denmark’s military involvement spans several missions: from Cyprus (1964-1992) to current efforts in Kosovo (1999-present), including interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan. The military is now being restructured to address more conventional threats in the vicinity, a process Kristensen expects to take at least a decade. The Danish government has allocated approximately 143 billion kroner towards defense and security from 2024 to 2033, aiming to meet NATO’s goal of spending 2% of GDP on defense by 2030.