The Friendcraft of Middle Powers: how the Netherlands & Denmark supported the War on Terror and how this affected their friendship with the US

Abstract

After 9/11, the Netherlands was quick to align themselves with the US and offered material and immaterial support. It was clear the Netherlands would take an active supporting role in the US-led Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), focused primarily on replacing American forces. This role was simultaneously in line with Dutch policy of supporting the US, and with the specific Dutch version of counterinsurgency: the 3D approach of Defence, Diplomacy and Development, promoted as a uniquely Dutch form of conflict resolution.[14] The Netherlands further joined the NATO ISAF mission, also committing parts of its air force. It was an awkward surprise to the Dutch, then, when the US government introduced the 2002 American Service-Members' Protection (ASPA), quickly dubbed and ridiculed (in the US and abroad),