Democracy
In this category, you will find articles on democracy and the Nordics, including parliaments, voting systems, egalitarianism, consensual democracy, social democracy and the welfare state. Categories are interpreted widely.
2020.10.02 | Outlook, Oana Godeanu-Kenworthy, Democracy, Governance, The Nordics in the World
Imagining Nordicity in the American political discourse
The Nordic region is frequently presented in the American media as prosperous and business-friendly, as well as allowing for extensive welfare benefits. US media coverage often positions one or more of the Nordic countries between the monolithic and highly politicized understandings of ‘socialism’ and ‘capitalism’ – with the many shades of mixed…
2020.06.18 | Video, Anna Lena Sandberg, The Borders of the Nordics, Literature, Democracy
Interview: The relationship between Denmark and Germany: politics and culture since 1800
In this short video, Anna Sandberg, Associate Professor in the Department of English, Germanic and Romance Studies at Copenhagen University, gives an historical overview of the political and cultural relationship between Denmark and Germany over the last 200 years. Their relationship is an important one not least because it is the southern-most…
2020.02.12 | Outlook, Monica Quirico, Democracy, Nation building
Democracy in the shadow of populism - a Nordic way out?
The “Nordic model” is often presented as a solution to the dominance of neoliberalism and the rise of populism. Populist tendencies within the region, including the reclaiming of nationalist identities and anti-immigration and anti-globalisation sentiment, can often be overlooked by outside observers. Whereas elsewhere economic crises encourage …
2019.09.11 | The Quick Read, Agnes Arnórsdóttir, Nation building, Democracy
History of Iceland, 1840s to the Second World War
Even though Iceland remained under Danish rule, the Icelandic ‘Althing’ was restored in 1845 as a national consultative assembly, and in 1874 the country obtained a constitution giving the Althing its own legislative power. Home rule was introduced in 1904, and in 1918 Iceland became an independent and sovereign state in personal union with…
2019.09.10 | Outlook, Thorsten Borring Olesen, Democracy, Nation building, Research
Buying Greenland? Trump, Truman and the 'Pearl of the Mediterranean'
In the summer of 2019, the Trump Administration voiced an interest in buying Greenland from Denmark. The historical background for this stretches at least as far back as a case brought by Norway at the International Court in 1933 when it was decided that Denmark had full sovereignty over Greenland. Since then, Danish governments have engaged in…
2019.06.14 | Original sources, Democracy, Law
EEC referenda in Denmark and Norway, 1972
Both Denmark and Norway held referenda on whether to join the European Economic Community in 1972. After Danes supported joining and Norwegians did not, this editorial was published in a federalist journal in which the editors try to understand the differing results.
2019.06.04 | The Quick Read, Robin Pettitt, Democracy
Political coalitions in the Nordic region
Nordic countries have been labelled ‘consensual democracies’ due to the use of cross-party coalitions in forming governments. As political parties that are in competition with one another end up working together, it arguably reduces aggressive, oppositional electioneering, and fosters collaboration. On the other hand, it is difficult for voters to…
2019.04.25 | The Quick Read, Inken Dose, Governance, Democracy
Ombudsman
Originating in Sweden in 1809, an ombudsman is generally regarded as an official body of complaint which protects individuals against abuses of power and maladministration. Finland and Denmark were the second and third countries to establish an ombudsman, and the idea later spread to the other Nordic countries and further afield. The idea of a…
2019.03.01 | The Quick Read, Kyle Frackman, Education, Democracy
Nordic folk high schools
Folk high schools are institutions which provide general and vocational education for young people and adults. Based on the philosophy of Danish educator, pastor, and religious revivalist N.F.S. Grundtvig (1783-1872), the first school was founded in Denmark in 1844, but the concept spread to other Nordic countries in the following decades. There…
2019.02.27 | Article, Ainur Elmgren, Governance, Democracy
Open government in the Nordics
Open government is intended to ensure transparency, accountability and openness and involves fundamental issues such as press freedom, public disclosure and freedom of information legislation, all key aspects of the administration of Nordic states. These states were amongst the earliest to introduce lauded measures of open government, such as the…