When Culture Fails and Governments Radicalize

Denmark – often lauded as a beacon of democracy, human rights, and social responsibility – finds itself at a crucial crossroads. In a world increasingly defined by uncertainty and change, the question arises: are we, as a society, truly equipped to navigate an era where our values are under siege? The crisis we face is not just political or economic; it is, at its core, existential: Who are we as a nation when our institutions falter, and our politics veer towards radicalization? The answer lies, in part, within culture. Not merely as a source of entertainment, but as an essential arena for critical thought, collective reflection, and moral awakening.

The Pandemic Crisis as a Revelation of Culture’s Decline

The COVID-19 pandemic functioned as a revealing mirror, exposing the cracks in our understanding of culture’s role in society. Culture Minister Joy Mogensen’s recommendation to seek solace in Netflix during lockdown became emblematic of how culture has been reduced to mere consumption. This moment exposed a shallow conception of culture as a comforting escape, rather than a force capable of challenging and enlightening us.

Yet, this is not a new phenomenon. For decades, Denmark's cultural elite, despite their initial criticism of Mogensen's statement, has been complicit in the commercialization of culture—an approach that has eroded its societal value. By embracing market-driven logic and passive entertainment, they have created a cultural landscape in which art, once a source of critique and reflection, has gradually faded into oblivion. The philosophy that once defined culture as "a nation thinking about itself," in Hegelian terms, has been replaced by a culture primarily focused on entertainment and distraction.

This weakening of culture has paved the way for the radicalization of political discourse. When culture no longer serves to challenge power or help citizens grasp complex societal issues, a vacuum emerges—one that is quickly filled by political polarization and oversimplified narratives.

The Radicalization of Governments and the Role of Culture

A striking example of this can be seen in Denmark’s increasing involvement in international conflicts. Once celebrated as a peace-loving nation, Denmark has drifted from its tradition of neutrality. From participating in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq to actively supporting conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, Denmark has not merely observed but contributed to global destruction. The export of weapons used in conflict zones has become part of our national industry, and we stand accused by international NGOs of fueling civilian casualties.

This foreign policy radicalization reflects a philosophical dissonance in our national self-image. As Hannah Arendt noted, power and violence are opposites—where violence prevails, the legitimacy of power is undermined. By choosing the path of war, Denmark betrays the democratic ideals it claims to uphold.

Simultaneously, this radicalization has been domesticated within our own borders. Public discourse has become increasingly sharp, with minorities—especially Muslims and non-Western citizens—being scapegoated. Sartre’s concept of “the Other” offers a compelling framework here, where the marginalized are projected as the source of our own fears and insecurities. People who have fled the very conflicts we have contributed to are made the focal point of state narratives, creating a polarized society marked by alienation.

Culture’s Moral Obligation in Times of Crisis

In this context, what role can cultural institutions play? If they choose, they can reinvent themselves as arenas for enlightenment, reflection, and critical engagement. Libraries can create spaces for discussions on Denmark’s role in global conflicts, inviting debates on ethical dilemmas. Museums can illuminate our nation’s complex identity—both as a participant in war and as a proponent of peace. Theatres can produce works that provoke introspection and rekindle our shared empathy.

Culture’s purpose is not merely to show us the world as it is, but to help us imagine the world as it could be. Here, we can take inspiration from philosopher Ernst Bloch’s concept of “the principle of hope”—the belief that art and culture have the power to open doors to new ways of thinking and being.

Culture as a Counterbalance to Radicalization

When governments radicalize, culture has the potential to serve as a counterbalance. It can introduce nuance into the debate, challenge the simplistic narratives of power, and revive the critical thinking necessary for a vibrant democracy. But for this to happen, we must demand more from our cultural institutions. We must insist that they rediscover their original mission: to educate, enlighten, and provide spaces for reflection.

Denmark stands at a pivotal moment in its history. Will we allow ourselves to be swept along by the currents of polarization and oversimplification, or will we use culture as a path to deeper understanding? If we succeed in restoring the true role of culture, we can rebuild a Danish identity founded on dignity, empathy, and democratic values.

Let us demand that our cultural institutions rise to the occasion—doing what they were created to do: unite us, enlighten us, and challenge us to become better—not just as individuals, but as a society.