Krasnik and Vanopslagh are the heroes of liberalism’s retreat

Two prominent Danish liberal voices have recently taken steps away from liberalism and toward conservatism. Martin Krasnik, editor-in-chief of Weekendavisen, and Alex Vanopslagh, leader of Liberal Alliance, have each published a book reflecting that movement.

The shift itself is not condemned. The point is to examine what the change says about the current spirit of the times, and how differently it is taking place in the two cases.

Vanopslagh appears as the voluntary convert. Krasnik, by contrast, is described as moving in that direction more reluctantly. That distinction gives the development its central tension: the two men may be heading toward a similar political and intellectual position, but they are not making the journey with the same degree of enthusiasm.

The article’s framing makes Krasnik the more revealing figure. A willing retreat from liberalism can be read as a clear choice, while a reluctant retreat exposes the pressure of a changing intellectual climate. Together, the two books are presented as signs of a wider turn from liberal ideas toward conservative ones in Denmark.