The Nordic Models in Political Science

Book excerpt: The Nordic countries-Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden-are frequently considered a distinct group of countries in political science studies. The term 'Nordic model(s)' is sometimes used to describe the policies pursued by these countries. The aim of this book is to examine whether there is one or several Nordic model(s), whether there have been any changes over time in the distinctiveness of the Nordic countries, and when and why the Nordic model(s) emerged. Moreover, in light of recent global economic, legislative, and political integration, will this Nordic distinctiveness last? The Nordic Models in Political Science examines Nordic models in several key areas of political science, such as state- and nation-building, political parties and party systems, determinants of party choice, representation and parliamentarism, gender and politics, central governmental institutions, regional and local governments, interest intermediation and interest group representation, and welfare state and knowledge regimes. This book provides an introduction for students and academic readers interested in Nordic politics in general and Nordic models in particular. *** This is a thorough and balanced assessment of the 'Nordic model'. It shows that, in spite of change and transnational convergence, distinctive features of the Nordic states have survived, producing substantially different outcomes in important policy fields. --Michael Keating, Professor of Politics, Universities of Aberdeen and Edinburgh [Subject: Politics, Nordic Studies]