The Nordic Model

"The Nordic model
combines an extensive
social insurance system
with labour market
policies that promote
full employment, equal opportunity and an
equitable distribution
of wealth."

--Three Types of Society


		THE PRICE OF EVERYTHING An overview of the information presented on this web site, including a general introduction to the Nordic model of society and the challenges it faces at the start of the 21st century.
		THE NORDIC ALTERNATIVE Proceedings of a seminar on the Nordic model's current challenges and future prospects. Keynote speaker was Gösta Esping-Andersen, leading authority on the gemera-welfare state.
		THE MARKET FOR SOCIAL INSECURITY An efficient national pension system that has helped to make Swedish old folks among the most economically secure in the world has been replaced by a costly and elaborate construction which is almost certain to make the retirement years of future generations less secure.
		THE LEGACY OF OLOF PALME A series on the political legacy of Olof Palme, and what has become of it since his assassination in 1986.
		FOREIGN POLICY Notes on recent developments in Sweden's foreign policy.
		GREAT EUROPEAN EXPECTATIONS Sweden joined the European Union in 1995, on the promise that it would remain a loose confederation of independent states. But powerful interests have steadily expanded the scope and authority of the EU at the expense of national integrity.
		THREE TYPES OF EUROPEAN SOCIETY A large body of evidence clearly suggests that a strong state and a strong market reinforce each other
		DISINFORMATION DIGEST The Nordic model in general, and Sweden in particular, have been subjected to something that has the look and odour of a classic disinformation campaign.
		PRIVATIZATION, TNCs & DEMOCRACY The public sector is everywhere under attack by the forces of neo-liberalism, including those which dominate the European Union. Current plans by the EU will lead to further privatization and redistribution of power from democratically elected officials to transnational corporations. (1 October 2002)
		FROM SOLIDARITY TO PRIVATE INSURANCE The promotion of "diversity" in Swedish health care is likely to lead to full-scale privatization and the division of the populace into first- and second-class citizens. (18 May 2002; in Swedish with summary in English)
		SWEDISH NATIONAL ELECTION 2002 The general-welfare state re Color ceived yet another vote of confidence, and the neo-liberal alternative was emphatically rejected. But that does not necessarily mean that the Swedes are going to get what they voted for.
		IN DEFENCE OF GENERAL WELFARE "For the Welfare State" is the name of a broad coalition in Norway which seeks to reverse the trend toward "growing inequality, attacks on public services, and ruthless exploitation of the environment.”
		NORDIC WELFARE IN A EUROPEAN CONTEXT A study of developments during the past two decades has found little evidence to suggest that the Nordic welfare states are becoming ”Europeanized”. The actual trend appears to be the reverse.