U.S.–Denmark Relations: People, Partnerships, and the Future of the Transatlantic Alliance

The United States and Denmark share a longstanding partnership built on democratic values, strong economic ties, and a shared commitment to security and international cooperation. As the transatlantic landscape evolves, longstanding assumptions about trust, security, and alliance relationships are being tested. The growing strategic importance of the Arctic, and Greenland's increasingly prominent role in geopolitical discussions, has added a new dimension to the U.S.-Denmark relationship.

Join the World Affairs Council for a conversation with Ambassador Rufus Gifford, former U.S. Ambassador to Denmark, for an insider's perspective on this important relationship and the role of diplomacy in a changing world. In conversation with World Affairs Council President and CEO Jacqueline Miller, Ambassador Gifford will explore the enduring ties between the two countries, Denmark's strategic importance to U.S. interests, and the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of the alliance.

Join us for a wine reception at 5:30 pm and connect with your fellow World Affairs Council enthusiasts!

Speakers bio:

Rufus Gifford

Rufus Gifford is a former U.S. Ambassador, senior aide to Presidents Obama, Biden and Vice President Harris, civic leader, public speaker and advocate for Democratic causes.

Most recently Gifford served as Finance Chair of the Biden-Harris and Harris-Walz campaigns amassing a record $ 2.2 billion for the efforts. Prior to that he was the Chief of Protocol of the United States with the rank of Ambassador and Deputy Campaign Manager for Biden for President in 2020 with a focus on finance, external outreach and coalition building. Aside from Presidential politics, he is focused on promoting civic engagement, particularly among youth and issue areas ranging from U.S. public diplomacy to renewable energy.

From 2013 to 2017, Rufus served as the U.S. Ambassador to Denmark where he led efforts to address the effects of climate change, build international coalitions, and invest in clean energy. He was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of the Dannebrog by Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II of Denmark for his meritorious service.

His pioneering tenure as Ambassador has been profiled in the Wall Street Journal, the Atlantic, CNN, and Vice News, among many other national and international outlets, and he has spoken extensively across Denmark and the United States about his efforts to break down walls and humanize the work of government.

Prior to Government service, Rufus was the National Finance Director of the Democratic National Committee and supported passage of a number of Obama policy initiatives including the Affordable Care Act. Before that, he was an aide on Obama’s historic 2008 presidential campaign. During Obama’s first term, Rufus was the National Finance Director of the Democratic National Committee and supported passage of a number of Obama’s policy initiatives, most notably the Affordable Care Act. Before that, he was an aide on Obama’s historic 2008 presidential campaign.

A native of Massachusetts, Rufus holds a bachelor’s degree from Brown University. He is married to veterinarian Dr. Stephen DeVincent and they live in Concord, Massachusetts with their Golden Retrievers, Svend and Odin.