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A Norweigan coast guard ship patrols the waters surrounding an  offshore gas platform in the Troll gas field off the west coast of Norway.

Cyber

Energy

Military & Security

Russia-Ukraine Conflict

With its natural gas exports to Europe now nearing zero, Moscow may start targeting the continent's maritime oil and gas industry via cyberattacks and physical strikes. 

The Nord Stream Leaks Set a Precedent for Russian Attacks on Europe's Energy Infrastructure

(L to R) Sweden's foreign minister, prime minister and defense minister hold a press conference in Stockholm on the gas leak found on the Nord Stream 1 pipeline in the Baltic Sea on Sept. 27, 2022. 

Economics

The apparent pipeline attack signals Russia's willingness to sever Europe's gas supplies this winter, which would have lasting economic consequences even if European leaders are able to mitigate the short-term impact.

Nord Stream 1 Gas Leaks Spell Gloom, but Not Doom, for Europe’s Energy Woes

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen speaks to journalists in Copenhagen on June 1, 2022, after the initial results of a historic referendum on Denmark's EU defense opt-out were announced.

European Disintegration

The historic decision will complete the EU's security architecture and consolidate Nordic countries' influence over European military affairs as the war in Ukraine rages on.

The Significance of Denmark Ending Its EU Defense Opt-Out

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EU: Regional Blocs

Divided EU Foreign Policies

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Iceland

Polar bears in Essen Bay off the coast of Zemlya Georga -- an island in the Franz Josef Land archipelago -- on August 22, 2021.

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China in Transition

The suspension of Arctic Council activities following Russia's re-invasion of Ukraine presents an opening for China to challenge Arctic governance.

China's Opportunity to Break Into Arctic Governance

Media

Podcasts

Environment, Science & Technology

In this episode of RANE's Essential Geopolitics podcast, powered by Stratfor, Stratfor Senior Global Security Analyst at RANE Ben West explains who really benefitted from the U.S.-Denmark intelligence gathering.

Essential Geopolitics: The Danish-U.S. Spying Report Explained

Greenland

Voters stand in line to cast their ballots in the parliamentary election in Greenland's capital of Nuuk on April 6, 2021. 

Greenland’s new left-wing government will only briefly delay mining operations, as the island’s rare earth reserves become increasingly key to its economic independence.

Pro-Environment Politics Won’t Deter Demand for Greenland's Resources

Supply Chains

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Hungary

The watering down of initial proposals for the COVID-19 relief package shows that fault lines within the bloc still run deep and will continue to create problems during future crises.

The EU Reaches a Landmark Recovery Fund Deal, but Divisions Remain

COVID-19

Brexit

Germany

A crane moves Nord Stream 2 pipes at a port near Sassnitz, Germany, on June 5, 2019. 

The removal of technical requirements for operating in Danish waters will enable Russia to complete the pipeline's construction, but a new round of proposed U.S. sanctions could still thwart progress.

Nord Stream 2 Overcomes One Hurdle Only to Be Met With Another

The Politics of Pipelines

Guidance

Hong Kong SAR, China

Vietnam

Greece

Riot police wear face masks, as a precautionary measure against the COVID-19 coronavirus, as they carry out a crowd dispersal operation in a shopping mall during a protest by pro-democracy supporters in the town of Shatin in Hong Kong on May 1, 2020.

A look at what the coming week will bring -- and a list of recommended Stratfor articles from the week that was.

The Weekly Rundown: Watching for a Reemergence of COVID-19, and of Hong Kong Protests

2020 Second-Quarter Forecast

Europe is a continent riven by pockets of distinct cultures whose differences are all too often irreconcilable.

<p>To the west of Eurasia lays Europe, a region predisposed to division. It is surrounded on nearly all sides by islands and peninsulas that make it difficult for Europe to cohere. The northern half of the continent, moreover, sits on a plain whose short, meandering rivers tend to empower countries without forcing them to work with others. The southern half is situated on more mountainous terrain that has historically impeded the creation of strong, unified economies. As a result, Europe is a continent riven by pockets of distinct cultures whose differences are all too often irreconcilable.</p>

Iraq

Syria

Rebalancing Power in the Middle East

The Jihadist Wars

While intended to place U.S. and European troops out of harm's way, the drawdown could prompt yet more violence by emboldening Iranian-backed militias to rid the country of any remaining Western forces.

As Attacks in Iraq Increase, U.S.-Led Coalition Forces Retreat

Iran's Arc of Influence

Uganda

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Relatives of the five Israeli victims of a suicide blast that targeted a bus of tourists in Bulgaria mourn in Sofia on Aug. 28, 2012.

Stratfor Threat Lens

Recent history indicates that despite its global networks and ambitions, Iran is a far more formidable threat closer to home. 

Iran Will Find Retaliating Against the U.S. Easier in the Middle East

U.S.-Iran Relations

Denmark's incumbent Social Democratic Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen secured a mandate to form a new government after winning a narrow majority in a close snap general election on Nov. 1, Bloomberg reported the next day.

Denmark: Center-Left Mette Frederiksen Confirmed as Prime Minister After Election

Czech Republic

According to a German foreign ministry source, Germany, France, Denmark, Spain, Italy and the Czech Republic submitted 16 proposals for new EU sanctions against Iran due to its crackdown on anti-government demonstrators, Reuters reported Oct. 3.

Iran, EU: Bloc Plans More Sanctions Over Crackdown on Anti-Government Protesters

Mali

The Suitors of Sub-Saharan Africa

Denmark will start withdrawing its troops from Mali in response to the Malian junta's claim earlier this week that Denmark does not have permission to be in the country, Reuters reported Jan. 27.

Mali: Denmark to Withdraw Troops From 'Untenable' Situation

The Danish Energy Agency approved Nord Stream 2's request to use vessels without a Dynamic Positioning System to complete the construction of the pipeline in Danish waters, Izvestia reported July 6.

Denmark: Nord Stream 2 Pipeline Construction Expedited

Russia's only pipe-laying vessel equipped to finish the last leg of the Nord Stream 2 project, the Akademic Chersky, has been located off-route near Mozambique, Kommersant reported March 17.

Russia: Vessel Slated to Finish Nord Stream 2 Pipeline Spotted Off-Course 

_Energy

The Danish Energy Agency has granted permission for Nord Stream 2 to transit through Denmark's continental shelf southeast of the island of Bornholm, the agency said in a press release on Oct. 30.

Denmark: Government Grants Crucial Nord Stream 2 Permit

The operator of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline said that the completion of the project could face a delay of up to eight months and cost an additional $740 million due to issues obtaining the permits needed to access Denmark's waters on the Baltic Sea, Reuters reported Aug. 8. 

Russia, Germany, Denmark: Nord Stream 2 Operator Says Danish Permit Could Cause 8-Month Delay 

Denmark is considering sending some naval assets to the Persian Gulf as part of a British-led maritime initiative to ensure safe passage for vessels through the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz, Reuters reported July 26.

Denmark: Copenhagen Mulls Deploying Naval Assets to British-Led Mission in the Persian Gulf

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A view of the Register in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

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Covering an area that spans the entire width of the continent beginning at the Sahara Desert and ending at the southernmost tip of South Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa is home to countless cultures, languages, religions, plants, animals and natural resources.

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The President palace in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

The administrative center of the Gakh region of Azerbaijan, located at the foot of the southern slope of the Greater Caucasus, on the river Kurhumchai.

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Mir Castle in the Minsk region of Belarus.

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A horse grazes in front of Kara-Kul lake in the Chon-Ak-Suu valley, 300 kilometers southeast of Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan.

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Denmark is a Scandinavian nation in Northern Europe. It consists of the peninsula of Jutland, most of which is flat, as well as hundreds of islands of varying sizes. Denmark’s main city and capital, Copenhagen, is located on the island of Zealand. The Kingdom of Denmark also includes two self-governing territories: Greenland and the Faroe Islands. With an open and exports-focused economy, Denmark has one of the world's highest per capita incomes.    Denmark traditionally has sought to exert control over the Baltic Sea and, to a lesser extent, the North Sea. Starting in the eighth century, Vikings from Denmark raided and traded throughout Europe, conquering parts of England, France and Sweden, among others. In the late 14th century, Denmark entered a personal union with Norway and Sweden. The centuries that followed were marked by competition between Denmark and Sweden for regional control, though Denmark was often also involved in fights with its German neighbors to the south.    Denmark's strategic position on the Jutland Peninsula allows it, along with Sweden, to control the Skagerrak and Kattegat straits, and thus all traffic into and out of the Baltic Sea. This control is economically and militarily relevant, because the straits are the only outlet connecting the Baltic Sea to the global maritime system. In addition, Greenland is part of the so-called GIUK gap, an area in the North Atlantic between Greenland, Iceland and the United Kingdom that forms a naval choke point. Greenland also gives Denmark a role on Arctic affairs, an area of increasing competition among great powers like Russia, China and the United States.    After World War II, Denmark became a founding member of NATO. However, Copenhagen decided not to join the European Economic Community (the European Union’s predecessor), opting instead to deepen political and economic cooperation with its neighbors in the north through institutions such as the Nordic Council and the European Free Trade Association. Denmark eventually joined the European Economic Community, but it is not a member of the eurozone and opted out from cooperation on some justice and defense affairs. While modern Denmark has chosen cooperation over confrontation with its neighbors, finding a balance between its Nordic and European interests remains a challenge for the country.

SITUATION REPORTS

Denmark: Center-Left Mette Frederiksen Confirmed as Prime Minister After Election

Iran, EU: Bloc Plans More Sanctions Over Crackdown on Anti-Government Protesters

Mali: Denmark to Withdraw Troops From 'Untenable' Situation

Denmark: Nord Stream 2 Pipeline Construction Expedited

Russia: Vessel Slated to Finish Nord Stream 2 Pipeline Spotted Off-Course

Denmark: Government Grants Crucial Nord Stream 2 Permit

Russia, Germany, Denmark: Nord Stream 2 Operator Says Danish Permit Could Cause 8-Month Delay

Denmark: Copenhagen Mulls Deploying Naval Assets to British-Led Mission in the Persian Gulf

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