The role of traditional middle powers after the fall of the American empire: Addressing concerns using global interdependence theory.

This thesis explores the evolving relationships between the traditional middle powers the Netherlands and Denmark and the United States from the early seventeenth century to the (post-) Trump era. Initially, these relations were characterized by mutual benefits and pragmatic cooperation, but the post-WWI period marked the US's rise as a, if not the, global superpower, which changed the way these traditional middle powers had to behave in the international arena. Controversial atlanticist choices where the Netherlands and Denmark followed their powerful ally in the War on Terror. In the Trump era, where the US practices more isolationist policies, middle powers seem to be left without protection in a world with an increasing amount of rising economic powers. Keohane’s Interdependence theory however illustrates that traditional middle powers still merit power and autonomy, as an interdependent world puts asks for more than just military security. It asks for frontrunners in cooperative environmental, liberal and humanitarian issues, issues which traditional middle powers have always advocated for. Besides, the increased influence of supranational organizations in Keohane’s interdependent world offers both security and a platform for smaller states. Denmark and the Netherlands have traditionally maintained strong ties with these organizations, which enhances their leverage and soft power on the international stage. Thus, one must not fear for the future of traditional middle powers, but instead realise that a globalized, interdependent world is particularly well-suited for traditional middle powers.