Denmark is weighed down by a national dissonance that art and culture can help counter

Denmark — often praised as a country built on ideals of democracy, human rights, and social responsibility — stands at a crossroads. In a world marked by uncertainty and change, the question is whether we, as a society, are equipped to navigate an era where our core values are being tested. The crisis we face is not only political or economic, but deeply existential: Who are we as a people when our institutions fail, and our politics become radicalized? Here, the role of culture is crucial — not merely as a source of entertainment, but as an arena for critical formation, shared reflection, and moral awakening.

The pandemic as culture’s revelation

The COVID-19 crisis acted as a mirror that exposed deep cracks in our understanding of culture’s role. Then-Minister of Culture Joy Mogensen’s suggestion to “find comfort in Netflix” during lockdown became a symbol of how culture has been reduced to mere consumption. It revealed a simplified understanding of culture as an escapist comfort rather than a challenging and enlightening force. But this development is not new. The Danish cultural elite, who sharply criticized Mogensen’s statement, have for decades themselves contributed to a commercialization of culture that has weakened its societal value. By embracing market logic and passive entertainment, they helped create a cultural landscape where art as a source of critique and reflection has gradually disappeared.

We must insist that cultural institutions rediscover their original purpose:

To educate, enlighten, and create space for reflection. The philosophy that once defined culture as “a nation thinking about itself” (as Hegel might have put it) has been replaced by a culture that seeks only to please and numb. This weakening of culture has paved the way for the radicalization of governments. When culture no longer challenges power or helps citizens grasp complex issues, a vacuum is created — one where political polarization and simplistic narratives thrive.

Government radicalization and the role of culture

Denmark’s transformation — from a nation known for neutrality and peace to an active participant in wars and conflicts — is evident. Our military engagement in Iraq and Afghanistan marked the beginning of a new era in which Denmark actively participated in international conflicts. Today, this continues through military support for Ukraine via arms supplies and strategic aid, while our growing role as an arms exporter has become increasingly controversial. The sale of components for Israeli F-35 fighter jets — despite Israel being under investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for possible crimes against humanity and genocide — underscores this transformation in our foreign policy. This foreign-policy radicalization reflects a philosophical dissonance within our national self-image. As Hannah Arendt pointed out, power and violence are opposites — where violence rules, legitimacy weakens.
When Denmark chooses the path of war, we undermine the democratic ideals we claim to defend. At the same time, this radicalization becomes domesticated. Public discourse grows harsher, and minorities — particularly Muslims and non-Western citizens — are increasingly portrayed as scapegoats. Here we might recall Sartre’s concept of “the Other” — as a projection of one’s own insecurities and fears. Those who often fled the very conflicts we helped create are instead turned into scapegoats in the state’s narrative, deepening social polarization and alienation.

What can institutions do?

What can cultural institutions do in this context? They can, if they choose, reinvent themselves as arenas for enlightenment and reflection. Libraries can create spaces for discussion about Denmark’s role in global conflicts and host debates on ethical dilemmas. Museums can tell stories that illuminate our national complexity — as both a warring and peace-loving country. Theatres can stage works that stir reflection and rekindle empathy. Culture’s task is not merely to show us the world as it is, but to help us imagine how it could be. Here we can draw inspiration from philosopher Ernst Bloch, who spoke of “the principle of hope” — the belief that art and culture can open doors to new ways of thinking and acting.

Culture as a counterweight to radicalization

When governments radicalize, culture can act as a counterbalance. It can reintroduce nuance to public debate, challenge power’s simplistic narratives, and revive citizens’ critical thinking. But this requires that we, as a society, dare to demand more from our cultural institutions. We must insist that they rediscover their original purpose:
To educate, enlighten, and create space for reflection. Today, Denmark stands at a decisive crossroads. Will we allow ourselves to be swept away by polarization and simplified narratives — or will we use culture as a way to understand ourselves and the world more deeply? If we succeed in reviving culture’s true role, we can rebuild a Danish identity founded on dignity, empathy, and democracy. Let us demand that our cultural institutions step forward and fulfill their purpose: To unite us, enlighten us, and challenge us to become better — both as individuals and as a society.