The Oxford Handbook of Danish Politics (Oxford Handbooks)

The Oxford Handbook of Danish Politics provides the most comprehensive and thorough English language book on Danish politics ever written. It features chapters by 50 leading experts who have contributed extensively to the field they write about. Why is Denmark an interesting topic for a Handbook? In some respects, Danish political institutions and political life are very similar to that of other small, North European countries such as the other Scandinavian countries and Netherland. However, in other respects, Danish politics is interesting in its own right. For instance, Denmark has a world record in minority governments. According to standard scholarly knowledge, this should result in unstable governments and a bad economy. This is not the case, however, since Denmark has a rather stable political system and a strong and robust economy among the strongest in Europe. How? The Danes have continued reservations towards the EU despite close to 50 years of EC/EU membership, and the Danes rejected the Maastricht Treaty in 1992. Still, the EU issue is handled in ways that do not call for large political battles. How? A third example is that Denmark used to be known as a tolerant and liberal society; its Jews were almost all saved during German occupation during WWII, Denmark was the first country to free pornography, and the first country to formally register same-sex couples. Yet recent Danish politics has also been associated with xenophobia and anti-Muslim sentiments. Why? Cover The oxford handbook of DANISH POLITICS Copyright Contents List of Contributors Preface List of Figures List of Tables Chapter 1: Why a Book on Danish Politics? Structure of the Handbook Part I: POLITY Chapter 2: The Constitution The Constitutional Act as the Framework for Danish Democracy The History of the Constitutional Act The King and the Monarchy The Folketinget The Legislative Process Constitutional Provisions on Parliamentarism Forming a Government Parliamentary Oversight of Government and Ministers Denmark’s International Relations and Delegation of Sovereignty The Courts Constitutional Rights The Constitution that Never Changes References Chapter 3: Greenland, the Faroe Islands, and Denmark: Unity or Community? From Margins to Centre Stage A Constitutional Oxymoron Competencies Reaching into Core State Functions Seeking Equality in Asymmetrical Relations No Turning Back after the Second World War Finding Inspiration for New Equalities Eligible for Equal Sovereignty? Geopolitical and Paradiplomatic Sovereignty Games Imperial and Cold War Sovereignty Games European Sovereignty Games Arctic Sovereignty Games Conclusion References Chapter 4: The Monarch: Head of State and National Symbol History Succession The Royal House The Court The Chapel of the Royal Orders of Knighthood The Monarch’s Functions The Legitimacy of the Monarchy Conclusion References Chapter 5: The Electoral System: Fair and Well-Functioning The Structure of the Electoral System How the Electoral System Actually Works Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Steps 4 and 5 Step 6 The Nature of Electoral Law Amendments Comparisons with Other Electoral Systems Conclusion References Chapter 6: Electoral Turnout: Strong Social Norms of Voting Very High and Stable Turnout Who Votes? Denmark: A European Frontrunner in Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) Conclusion References Chapter 7: The Parliament (FOLKETINGET): Powerful, Professional, and Trusted? A Powerful Parliament? Legislative Influence Ex Ante Selection Control Ex Post Oversight Control A Parliament with Powerful Institutions A Professional Parliament? Institutional Resources Specialization and Expertise Politics as a Profession A Professional Parliament with Lower Specialization A Trusted Parliament? Conclusion References Chapter 8: The Government and the Prime Minister: More than Primus Inter Pares? A Popular Case of Coalitions and Minority Governments Government Formation and Termination in Denmark Coalitions and Coalition Governance Government Termination The Prime Minister Ministers and Ministerial Turnover Coordination within the Government Conclusion References Chapter 9: Organizing Central Government: A Pragmatic Meritocracy? What Does Central Government Do? Who Runs Central Government? The Organization of Central Government How Is Central Government Coordinated? The Bureaucracy The Politicization of the Bureaucracy The Ethics of Bureaucracy Keeping Central Government in Check Conclusion Note References Chapter 10: Municipalities and Regions: Approaching the Limit of Decentralization? Local Politics in the Eye of Decentralization, a Big-Bang Local Government Reform, and a Toughened National Spending Regime The Administrative Structure of Denmark The Local Political System and Democracy The Administrative Structure of Municipalities and Regions Local Discretion in the Light of Changed Central-Local Relations Fiscal Autonomy Regarding Expenditures and Revenues Expenditures Revenues Challenges and Opportunities Conclusion References Chapter 11: Corporatism: Exaggerated Death Rumours? Corporatism Defined: A Variety of Democracy The Origin of Danish Corporatism Declining Corporatism? Committee Representation Studies of Government Reform Strategies Why Is Corporatism so Tenacious? Conclusion References Chapter 12: Corruption and Bureaucratic Reforms‘: Getting to Denmark’? ‘Getting to Denmark’ Corruption and Anti-Corruption in Denmark Historical Bureaucratic Reforms and the Fight Against Corruption in Denmark Steps in the Establishment of Rule of Law An Institutions Matter Model Conclusion References Chapter 13: Coordination for the European Union: A Strong and Stable Institution The Coordination System for the European Union The Diachronic Perspective: The Evolution of the Danish Coordination System from 1950–2019 The Synchronic Perspective: The Organization of the Danish EU Coordination System The Evaluative Perspective: The Weaknesses and Strengths of the Danish EU Coordination System The Comparative Perspective: Contrasting EU Coordination in Denmark with Other Member States Conclusion Acknowledgement Note References Part II: POLITICS Chapter 14: The Party System: Open yet Stable The Earthquake Election and its Long-Term Aftermath The Danish Party System The Four Old Parties and the Historical Cleavages in the Danish Party System The Development of the Danish Party System since 1973 After the Turn of the Century The Political Dimensions of the Current Danish Party System Electoral Support Party Organizations Party Membership Intra-Party Democracy Party Financing Conclusion Note References Chapter 15: Governments in Action: Consensual Politics and Minority Governments Party Unity The Stability of Danish Minority Governments How Do Governments in Denmark Build Legislative Coalitions? Patterns of Legislative Behaviour Legislative Agreements Conclusion Notes References Chapter 16: Classes and Politics: A Changing Relationship Class and Danish Politics in a Historical Perspective Theories of Class and Politics Class Relations and Class Identity in Denmark The Development of Class-Based Party Choice Conclusion References Chapter 17: Danish Public Opinion: Stability, Change, and Polarization Stability or Change in Danish Public Opinion Economic Redistribution Immigration The Environment The EU Social Polarization of Public Opinion over Time Attitudes Toward Redistribution Immigration The Environment The EU Partisan Polarization of Public Opinion over Time Attitudes toward Redistribution Immigration The Environment The EU Danish Public Opinion in a Comparative Perspective Economic Redistribution Immigration The Environment The EU Conclusion References Chapter 18: The Social Democratic Party: From Exponent of Societal Change to Pragmatic Conservatism Historical Overview The Foundation and the Organizational Period, 1871–1901 The Integration into Danish Parliamentarianism, 1901–1929 Government Responsibility and Defence of Democracy, 1929–1947 The Welfare State and the Cold War, 1947–1989 Globalization and the Neoliberal Turn, 1989–2020? Present-Day Policy Positions and Issue Emphasis The Welfare State The Private Sector Education European Policy and Foreign Affairs Immigration Policies Globalization Voters Party Organization and Party Democracy Conclusion References Chapter 19: The Liberal Party: From Agrarian and Liberal to Centre-Right Catch-All The Liberal Party Brief Historical Outline The Electorate of the Liberals: Development and Composition The Ideology and Positions of the Liberals Party Members, Organization, and Finance Relations to Other Political Parties What Policy Difference Have the Liberals Made after 2001? Conclusion Notes References Chapter 20: The Danish People’s Party: Centre-Oriented Populists? A Star is Born: The Creation of the Danish People’s Party Electoral Support Government Participation Party Policy and Ideology Political Dimensions Policies and Issues Populist Radical Right? The Impact of the Danish People’s Party One for All, All for One: Party Discipline and Party Leadership Party Discipline Party Leadership Party Organizational Resources Conclusion References Chapter 21: The Red-Green Alliance: Is it Red or Green? Introducing the Red-Green Alliance Ideology Voters of the Red-Green Alliance Issue Positions of the Red-Green Alliance Issue Priorities of the Red-Green Alliance (I): The Environment and Labour Market Policy Issue Priorities of the Red-Green Alliance (II): The EU and Foreign Aid Party Organization of the Red-Green Alliance Party Finances of the Red-Green Alliance Red-Green Alliance Party Membership Red-Green Alliance Intra-Party Democracy Conclusion Notes References Chapter 22: Dynamic Stability: The Anchors of Voting Behaviour Increasing Voter Volatility—But Not at the Bloc Level Theories about the Anchors of Voting Behaviour Traditional Cleavage-Based Anchors: Place of Residence and Class New Socio-Structural Anchors: Education and Gender A Two-Dimensional Ideological Anchor: Economic Redistribution and Cultural Values A Changing Political Space: Party-Voter Dynamics Conclusion References Chapter 23: Gender and Politics: The Limits of Equality Politics Setting the Stage Framing the Chapter The Evolution of Theoretical Debates and Key Concepts Scandinavian Gender Equality and Citizenship Gender and Political Mobilization, Participation, and Representation Gender Equality Policies Conclusion Note References Chapter 24: Local Elections: Localized Voting Within a Nationalized Party System Second-Order or Second-Tier Elections? How Many Turn Out at the Local Polls? How ‘Local’ Is the Local Vote? Is the Local Party System a Copy of the National Party System? Still More Men than Women? Who Performs Local Political Leadership? Conclusion References Chapter 25: Referendums in Denmark: Influence on Politics Referendums in Denmark The Rules for Referendums in Denmark Why Are (EU) Referendums Convened? Do Campaigns Matter? Voter Behaviour: Issue Voting Versus Second-Order Elections The 1992/1993 Referendums No Votes in Opt-Out Referendums: The 2015 No Vote The Effects of EU Referendums Internal Effects: Keeping the EU Out of Domestic Politics External Effects: Opt-Outs (and Leaving the Union) Internal and External Effects: No Votes and Greenlandic Exit from the EU Conclusion Notes References Chapter 26: Media and Politics: The Danish Media System in Transformation? Democracy and the Crisis of Journalism The Danish Media System in a Comparative Perspective The Media-Politics Nexus The Crisis of Journalism Conclusion References Chapter 27: Interest Groups: A Democratic Necessity and a Necessary Evil Interest Groups: Definitions and Distinctions The Origin and Development of the Interest Group System The Rise of New Social Movements and Citizen Groups Interest Groups as Associations: Members, Resources, and Organization The Political Role of Interest Groups New Actors: Think Tanks and Public Affairs Bureaus Conclusion References Part III: POLICIES Chapter 28: In War and Peace: Security and Defence Policy in a Small State The Willing but Pragmatic Activist The Shadow of 1864: Two Danish Traditions on War and Peace The Shame of 1945: From De-Militarized Neutral to Allied with Reservations The Solution of 1989: Denmark’s Military Activism Conclusion Notes References Chapter 29: Foreign Policy: New Directions in a Changing World Order? A Variety of Approaches to Studying Danish Foreign Policy Discourse Analysis and Danish Foreign Policy Discourses and Foreign Policy after the Cold War The EU as the Key Platform for Danish Foreign Policy The Transatlantic Link Activism Danish Foreign Policy in a Changing World Conclusion Notes References Chapter 30: Danish European Union Policies: Sailing Between Economic Benefits and Political Sovereignty Varieties of EU Policies Trade Policy Common Agricultural Policy The Internal Market Opt-Outs: The Euro, Justice and Home Affairs, and Defence Policy Conclusion Acknowledgements Notes References Chapter 31: Development Policy From Consensus to Contention? Policy Changes in the New Millennium Changes in Danish Development Policy Size and Composition of the Aid Budget The Danish Development Strategy Papers and Their Thematic Focus Factors Behind the Changing Development Policy Denmark Reacted to International Trends Domestic Factors Before 2001 Domestic Factors after 2001 Conclusion Note References Chapter 32: Economic Policy: From Disequilibrium to Flexicurity A Small Open Economy with an Extended Welfare State Economic Developments The 1970s: Disequilibria Build Up The 1980s: The Big Upturn and the Seven Meagre Years The Exchange Rate Peg Current Account Problems and Savings Shortage Tax Reforms The 1990s: Founding the Flexicurity Model Flexicurity Reforms 2000–2018: Overheating and the Financial Crisis Fiscal Policy Testing the Flexicurity Model Ageing, Fiscal Sustainability, and Reforms Directed at Labour Supply Conclusion Notes References Chapter 33: Welfare State Policies: From the Beginning Towards an End? Characteristics of the Danish Welfare Model Historical Developments up to the 1980s New Challenges to the Danish Welfare State Restructuring and Reforming the Danish Welfare State from the 1980s Welfare Cutbacks and Expansions A Strong Focus on Getting More People into the Workforce The Challenge of an Ageing Population Immigration and Integration of Immigrants as a New and Highly Politicized Policy Area Public Sector Reforms and Strict Control of Expenditure Levels Conclusion Notes References Chapter 34: The Danish Labour Market Model: Is the Bumblebee Still Flying? The Danish Labour Market Model and Labour Market Policies The Creation of the Stable Institutions of the Danish Labour Market Model of Regulation The Establishment of the Danish Ghent System The Development of Active Labour Market Policy The Components of the Danish Labour Market Model New Employment Policies and Reforms of the Ghent System in the New Millennium Are the Stable Institutions of the Danish Labour Market Model Eroding? Conclusion References Chapter 35: Education Policy: Power, Conflict, and Cooperation The Regrettable Status of Research on Danish Education Politics The Restructuring of the Danish School System along Egalitarian Lines, 1903–1958 Comprehensive Education Consolidated, 1958–1975 Market-Led Reforms of Danish Education, 1982–2014 School Choice and Private Schools PISA Shock The Teachers’ Union Reacts: Lock-Out Enhancing Academic Standards Further: The 2014 School Act Conclusion References Chapter 36: Health Policy: The Submerged Politics of Free and Equal Access Consensus about Universal Healthcare Three Dimensions of the Danish Healthcare System Financing: Expansion of Access and Tax-Financed Health Insurance Regulation and Medical Governance Delivery: Public and Private Provision of Services in the Danish Healthcare System Health Politics: Party Politics and Competition for Issue Ownership Conclusion Note References Chapter 37: Immigration and Immigrant Integration Policy: Public Opinion or Party Politics? The Shattered Image of Denmark Danish Immigration History and Policy Development Anti-Immigrant Danes? Political Dynamics and Politicization Policy and Politicization Effects Conclusion References Chapter 38: Agricultural and Fisheries Policy: Towards Market Liberalism Market Orientation of Agricultural and Fisheries Policies Market Liberalism Water, Carbon Emissions, and Environmental Policies: Cost-Effective Regulation Structural Development Policy: From Restrictions to Market Liberalism Organic Food Policy: Actively Developing Markets Fisheries Policy: From Almost Open Access to Property Rights and Market-Based Management Conclusion Notes References Chapter 39: Environment, Energy, and Climate Policy: From Energy Supply to Climate Gases Denmark: A Green Frontrunner Nation? Environmental Policy Environmental Problems in Denmark: The Special Role of Agriculture The Organization of Environmental Administration Key Principles and Instruments in Danish Environmental Policy The Build-Up Phase of Environmental Regulation, 1971–1987 The Heyday of Environmental Policy, 1987–2002 The Increasing Role of the EU since 2002 The Evolution of Environmental Quality: Has Environmental Policy Worked? Recent Bones of Contention in Environmental Policy Energy and Climate Policy 1974–1989: Energy Security as the Overriding Concern 1990–2001: Climate Policy Takes Precedence Since 2002: Stop-Go Policy The Outcome: Energy Production and Consumption Since the Early 1970s The Evolution of Renewable Energy Conclusion Acknowledgements References Chapter 40: Research Policy: Transformations and Tensions The Social Contract of Science Competing Conceptions of Research Quality and Societal Impact Broad Trends in Danish Research Policy Transformation of the Research Funding System and New Conceptions of the Universities’ Third Mission Transformation of the Public Research Funding System New University Third Mission Demands The Two Cases in a Comparative Perspective Conclusion References Part IV: POSTSCRIPT Chapter 41: Polity, Politics, and Policies: A Reconsideration Polity Basic State Institutions: Aged but Still Functioning Quite Well Basic Political Institutions: Generally Well-Functioning and Supported by Trust and Civic Norms Administrative Institutions Politics Party System, Minority Governments, Classes, and Long-Term Voting Four Political Parties and the Anchors of Voting Behaviour: The Social Democratic Party, the Liberal Party, the Danish People’s Party, and the Red-Green Alliance Gender, Local Elections, Referendums, Media, and Interest Groups Policy Looking to the Outside World: Security and Defence, New World Order, the EU, and Development Policy The Welfare State Machinery: Economic Policy, the Welfare State, the Labour Market, Education, Health, and Immigration Natural Resources and Know-How: Agriculture and Fisheries, Environment and Climate Policy, and Research Policy Still Worth Getting to Denmark? References Index