I really wanted this to be a book of my own. I have therefore limited the number of people who have helped to produce it. But on the other hand, you cannot write such a book without good, professional help from various sides.
First and foremost, I would like to thank our son, Henrik. Throughout, he has been a driving force who has held me to the project, even when I was close to giving up on the idea. Despite having a busy life as an entrepreneur and as the father of a young family, he took the time to help me with good advice and, sometimes, with specific formulations. Henrik is married to an American, Kristina, who lives in the Midwest, and some years ago he became a US citizen. With his Danish upbringing and American background, he has been an ideal sparring partner. I soon found out that Henrik is more versed in American culture and history than many native-born Americans, and I look forward to following his future endeavors to strengthen transatlantic ties.
Next, I would like to thank my English editor, Ben Nimmo. As a non-native English speaker, I needed a native Englishman to edit my English texts. Ben has performed this work in a breathtaking and linguistically balanced manner.
I would also like to thank Michael Ulveman, CEO of Ulveman & Boersting. Michael worked as my press adviser, first when I was prime minister of Denmark and then at NATO. With his unique background, he was able to refresh my memory of some of the experiences I’ve been through.
My thanks also go to Niels Martin Andersen of Rasmussen Global, who has been my Danish research assistant, and Katie Burkhart of the Harvard Kennedy School, who has been my American research assistant. They have been tireless in their efforts to satisfy my wishes. In this context, I would also like to thank the following institutions for their good cooperation: the Missouri History Museum Library and Research Center and the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum.
I would also like to thank Ambassador Nicholas Burns, of the Harvard Kennedy School, who twice in 2015 invited me to stay at Harvard University as a Fisher Family Fellow. I got a lot of inspiration from these visits, both from meetings with faculty members, and from my meetings with students.
Of course, I would also like to thank Adam Bellow, of Broadside Books. Since our lunch at Harvard in the fall of 2015, Adam has been a great inspiration who has made numerous suggestions that hopefully have improved the book. Also, many thanks to my American book agent, David M. Larabell, of Creative Artists Agency, who has been instrumental in getting the book published.
Finally, let me thank the rest of my family, for their patience while I focused on the book: our daughter Maria, who has taken charge of Rasmussen Global as chief operating officer; our daughter Christina, who finalized her essay on Ukraine for the Copenhagen Business School while I wrote the book; and my wife, Anne-Mette, who—as always—has borne her discomfort patiently.
It goes without saying that despite all the good advice I have received from my helpers, I bear the responsibility for all analyses and conclusions.