Denmark’s participation in the coalition against IS reflects the country’s commitment to ‘ethical militarism’

The United States has put together a coalition of several western and Arab states to support military action against Islamic State (IS) forces in Iraq and Syria. Laust Schouenborg writes on the participation of Denmark in this coalition. He argues that the decision to take part reflects a principle of ‘ethical militarism’ which the country has adopted in previous conflicts over the last 25 years.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Turkey prepares for action against IS http://www.europeansources.info/record/turkey-prepares-for-action-against-is/

ESO: Background information: Commons recalled to debate Iraq: Coalition against ISIL http://www.europeansources.info/record/commons-recalled-to-debate-iraq-coalition-against-isil/

ESO: Background information: Six EU countries join group to 'destroy' Islamic State http://www.europeansources.info/record/six-eu-countries-join-group-to-destroy-islamic-state/

ESO: Background information: French hostage Herve Gourdel beheaded in Algeria http://www.europeansources.info/record/french-hostage-herve-gourdel-beheaded-in-algeria/

The Local.dk, 02.10.14: Danish fighter jets will strike Isis targets in Iraq http://www.thelocal.dk/20141003/denmarks-military-jets-isis-iraq-approved

Denmark: Ministry of Foreign Affairs: News, 02.10.14: Large parliamentary majority supports Danish military action against ISIL http://um.dk/en/news/newsdisplaypage/?newsID=553F88AE-22C7-44CB-B179-77B1C2808F45

Dutch News.nl, 07.10.14: Dutch F16s in action for first time http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2014/10/dutch_f16s_in_action_for_first.php

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Dutch News.nl, 03.10.14: Dutch prime minister compares bombing of Islamic State to WWII http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2014/10/dutch_prime_minister_compares_1.php

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