The Nordic Model: Scandinavia since 1945 (Reaktion Books - Contemporary Worlds)

The political structures of the Scandinavian nations have long stood as models for government and public policy. This comprehensive study examines how that “Nordic model” of government developed, as well as its far-reaching influence. Respected Scandinavian historian Mary Hilson surveys the political bureaucracies of the five Nordic countries—Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden—and traces their historical influences and the ways they have changed, individually and as a group, over time. The book investigates issues such as economic development, foreign policy, politics, government, and the welfare state, and it also explores prevailing cultural perceptions of Scandinavia in the twentieth century. Hilson then turns to the future of the Nordic region as a unified whole within Europe as well as in the world, and considers the re-emergence of the Baltic Sea as a pivotal region on the global stage. The Nordic Model offers an incisive assessment of Scandinavia yesterday and today, making this an essential text for students and scholars of political science, European history, and Scandinavian studies. In This Book Respected Historian Of Scandinavia Mary Hilson Provides A Welcome Addition To The Literature On The Nordic Model By Examining In Detail Its Main Historical Influences, And The Ways In Which It Has Changed Over Time. Covering All Five Nordic Countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway And Sweden, The Book Includes Chapters On Economic Development, Politics And Government, Foreign Policy And The Welfare State, As Well As A More General Account Of The Cultural Meanings That Have Accrued To Scandinavia In The Twentieth Century. The Implications Of Recent Developments For The Continued Coherence Of The Region Are Assessed, In Particular The European Dimension, And The Re-emergence Of The Baltic Sea As A Potential Regional Focus. This Book Will Appeal To Students Of The Region As Well As To General Readers With An Interest In Scandinavia.--book Jacket. Introduction : The Historical Meanings Of Scandinavia -- 1. Consensual Democracies? The Nordic Political Model -- 2. The Nordic Economies -- 3. The Nordic Model Of Welfare -- 4. Between East And West? The Nordic Countries In International Relations -- 5. Scandinavian Society: Equality. Ethnicity And Multiculturalism -- Conclusion: Is There A Future For The Nordic Region? Mary Hilson. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 193-227) And Index.