Knowledge on the Nordics

Listen to these two podcasts to find out more about the Nordic countries’ maritime connections: Why do the Nordic countries see themselves as maritime nations; and does that extend to taking the lead in the green transition within shipping?

Listen to a podcast about the Women’s International Democratic Federation during the Cold War period, and why and how women from the Nordic region were involved.

All countries applying to join NATO have to carefully consider the domestic and international consequences of membership, and Finland and Sweden are no exception. Before Spain joined in 1982, like Sweden and Finland, it was not a global power and was predominantly concerned with national security. It did not have any nuclear weapons and the country was already firmly considered a part of the West. While there are some fundamental differences between the two cases, Spain’s approach in attempting to step back from the heated rhetoric of the Cold War may provide a useful historical example in attempting to de-escalate tensions.

While the Royal Danish Theatre was founded in back in 1748, this overview of drama in Denmark extends from after World War II to the beginning of the twenty-first century touching on experimental and socially critical theatre groups in the 1960s and '70s, the exploration of aesthetics thereafter and some contemporary playwrights.

Proficiency in English is both widespread and high-level in the Nordic countries, and there are legitimate historical and socio-political reasons for this. But it should not be assumed that everyone is equally proficient, nor that the power of the English language goes unquestioned.

The Swedish sports movement has gained a strong political presence in recent years, notably to do with migrants’ integration. Sport has been touted as a ‘universal’ language where individuals from diverse backgrounds can take part in something meaningful together that does not require particular linguistic skills. However, even sport can be a contested space where access is not equal for everyone.