Anders Fogh Rasmussen has transformed Danish politics and raised the country’s profile in his eight years as premier. Whether he can do the same for Nato will be his next big challenge.

As secretary-general of Nato, Mr Rasmussen occupies the most senior international post ever held by a Dane. Mr Rasmussen has long been the frontrunner for the role – despite coming from one of the smaller alliance members – demonstrating the respect he has earned both as a skilful European Union dealmaker and a stalwart Atlanticist.