Relationship dossier
Denmark
Iraq
Relationship assessment
A mixed relationship shaped by Denmark’s 2003 invasion participation and subsequent security and stabilization cooperation.
Denmark toward Iraq
+10Denmark took part in the 2003 invasion of Iraq, a major adversarial episode. It later contributed forces to the coalition against ISIS in Iraq and provided stabilization and recovery assistance, creating a substantial cooperative element in the relationship.
Iraq toward Denmark
+15The Iraqi government cooperated with the international coalition against ISIS, in which Denmark contributed forces. The scale of direct Iraqi government coordination with Denmark, apart from coalition operations, is unclear.
Overall relationship
+5The relationship has been shaped by the sharp contrast between Denmark’s participation in the 2003 invasion and subsequent cooperation on security and stabilization. Later cooperation has been concrete, but the earlier use of force remains a major adverse feature; the breadth of direct bilateral ties is less clear.
How to read these scores
Scores are rough judgments, not objective measurements or current verification. Directional scores describe government policy and conduct, not public opinion. The overall score is an independent estimate, never an average.
- −100
- Extreme sustained hostility
- −50
- Substantially adversarial
- 0
- Mixed or neutral, supported by knowledge
- +50
- Substantially cooperative
- +100
- Exceptionally close sustained partnership
“Not assessed” means there is no recorded score. Pair existence makes no claim about diplomatic recognition or established relations.
Relationship context
Overview
Denmark’s relationship with Iraq has combined Danish participation in the 2003 invasion with later military and stabilization cooperation. Denmark contributed forces to the U.S.-led coalition against ISIS in Iraq and provided assistance connected to Iraq’s recovery. Iraq’s cooperation with the coalition provides a basis for assessing its government’s engagement with Denmark, although the scope of direct bilateral arrangements is less clear.
Areas of tension
- Denmark’s participation in the 2003 invasion of Iraq
Key developments
Denmark participated in the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.
Denmark contributed forces to the international coalition against ISIS in Iraq.
Major uncertainties
- The scope and continuity of direct Danish-Iraqi government cooperation outside coalition operations are unclear.
- The extent of Iraqi government coordination specifically with Danish forces is uncertain.