In a move reminiscent of the fictional Night's Watch from Game of Thrones, the Danish government has established its own real-life 'night watch' to monitor the actions and statements of former US President Donald Trump.
The Genesis of the Watch
This unprecedented monitoring initiative was reportedly introduced in the spring, directly following a significant diplomatic rift between Copenhagen and Washington. The dispute centred on Greenland, after US President Donald Trump openly threatened to take control of the Arctic island.
According to the Danish newspaper Politiken, the night watch operates from 5pm each day until 7am the following morning. Its primary function is to compile a comprehensive report on Trump's pronouncements and movements while Denmark is asleep. This report is then distributed across the Danish government and its relevant departments.
A New Diplomatic Reality
The foreign office confirmed the arrangement, stating it was a 'collective effort' to stay updated on Trump, ensuring officials didn't have to individually scramble for their phones to catch up on overnight news from the US. A source close to the foreign office told The Guardian that the Greenland situation and the time difference between Denmark and the United States were crucial factors in creating this system.
Politiken highlighted that this initiative is one of several examples demonstrating how Danish diplomacy has had to adapt to the new reality of the second Trump administration.
Broader Implications for Alliances
The development has sparked commentary on the state of international relations. Jacob Kaarsbo, a former chief analyst at the Danish defence intelligence agency, stated that this move confirms the death of the long-held idea that the US was Denmark's largest and most important ally.
'Alliances are built on common values and a common threat perception,' Kaarsbo said. 'Trump shares neither of those with us and I would argue he doesn't share it with most Europeans.' This sentiment underscores a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape, where traditional alliances are being reassessed in light of new political realities.
