Lars Blinkenberg was a Danish diplomat, author and international relations expert whose distinguished career spanned four decades and whose life bridged continents, cultures and crises.
Born in Aarhus, Denmark, in 1931, Lars Blinkenberg grew up in an intellectually vibrant home, the son of the philologist and professor Andreas Blinkenberg. Educated in Denmark, France and the UK, he graduated in law from Aarhus University in 1956 and studied law and political science at Cambridge.
Blinkenberg joined the Danish Foreign Service shortly afterwards and served in some of the most geopolitically charged regions of the 20th century. His early postings included diplomatic assignments in London and New Delhi, which laid the groundwork for his deep engagement with international conflict.
He went on to serve as Danish ambassador to Venezuela (1981–86), Nigeria (1992–96) and Syria, as well as Cyprus, Jordan and Lebanon (1996–99). His extensive diplomatic career gave him first-hand insight into Cold War tensions, post-colonial transitions and regional conflicts in Africa, the Middle East, South Asia and Latin America.
One of his most influential works is India-Pakistan: The History of Unsolved Conflicts (1972), a thoughtful and accessible account of the continuing crisis over Kashmir. Written at a time when few Western voices were addressing the roots of South Asia's geopolitical turmoil, the book remains a lucid and balanced study of a region that continues to shape global security.
It combines historical context with political analysis, making it a valuable resource for scholars and general readers interested in international diplomacy.
In retirement, Blinkenberg became an active public speaker and writer, most notably Ambassadør i 20 lande — mit livs ankerpladser, a memoir of his life in diplomacy. He was also involved in promoting human rights through his work with the Danish Helsinki Committee.
Lars Blinkenberg died on 29 November 2024, at the age of 93.
Born in Aarhus, Denmark, in 1931, Lars Blinkenberg grew up in an intellectually vibrant home, the son of the philologist and professor Andreas Blinkenberg. Educated in Denmark, France and the UK, he graduated in law from Aarhus University in 1956 and studied law and political science at Cambridge.
Blinkenberg joined the Danish Foreign Service shortly afterwards and served in some of the most geopolitically charged regions of the 20th century. His early postings included diplomatic assignments in London and New Delhi, which laid the groundwork for his deep engagement with international conflict.
He went on to serve as Danish ambassador to Venezuela (1981–86), Nigeria (1992–96) and Syria, as well as Cyprus, Jordan and Lebanon (1996–99). His extensive diplomatic career gave him first-hand insight into Cold War tensions, post-colonial transitions and regional conflicts in Africa, the Middle East, South Asia and Latin America.
One of his most influential works is India-Pakistan: The History of Unsolved Conflicts (1972), a thoughtful and accessible account of the continuing crisis over Kashmir. Written at a time when few Western voices were addressing the roots of South Asia's geopolitical turmoil, the book remains a lucid and balanced study of a region that continues to shape global security.
It combines historical context with political analysis, making it a valuable resource for scholars and general readers interested in international diplomacy.
In retirement, Blinkenberg became an active public speaker and writer, most notably Ambassadør i 20 lande — mit livs ankerpladser, a memoir of his life in diplomacy. He was also involved in promoting human rights through his work with the Danish Helsinki Committee.
Lars Blinkenberg died on 29 November 2024, at the age of 93.
years of life: 15 April 1931 – 29 November 2024
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