"Analyzing Danish development from 1815 to the present day, this book argues that a state always develops in relation to the states with which it interacts. As it discusses a number of incidents that have shaken Denmark and brought about fundamental changes--from the 1864 crisis, when the Danish state was close to being dissolved, World Wars I and II, the Cold War, and the period following the fall of the Soviet Union--this account essentially explores the making of the Danish welfare state. The Danish participation in the war on terror and its subsequent challenges to Danish civil rights, openness, and welfare are also explored"--provided by publisher.