Nordic Prime Ministers Annual Meeting in Vestmannaeyjar on June 26, 2023
Nordic Prime Ministers Annual Meeting in Vestmannaeyjar on June 26, 2023
IMAGO / Lehtikuva

Northern Exposure

Politics and Change in the Nordic Countries

The Nordic countries have, for decades, been characterised by a strong welfare state and strong unions, creating more equal societies with low levels of poverty and exclusion, high levels of gender equality and employment, and some of the highest standards of living seen.

Nonetheless, the “Nordic model” has long been under stress. The region is not immune from the broader dynamics, trends and challenges of liberal democracies: the rise of the far right and right-wing populism, the neoliberal push for austerity and privatisation, the erosion of the gains of feminism, the so-called refugee crisis and the rise of racist discourse associated with it, and the struggle to combat climate change.

The political traditions, landscapes, and contexts for the emergence and success of political parties and movements across the Nordic region differ substantially, including very different economic profiles, and varying approaches to the European Union and EU integration.

This section provides political analysis on the situation and development of the left in the Nordic region, its challenges, and opportunities.

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finland-elections-e1746625663913-640x360 IMAGO/Lehtikuva

The Collapse of Finnish Right-Wing populism?

Robert Stark
Northern Exposure
Historic elections reveal deep public dissatisfaction with austerity, scandals, and a fading populist agenda. Local and regional elections on April 13 have delivered an historic defeat to Finland’s ruling right-wing populist party The Finns (Perussuomalaiset), which saw its support almost halved compared to ... read more "The Collapse of Finnish Right-Wing populism?"
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Sweden’s “Green Transition”: Opportunities and Challenges

Arne Müller
Northern ExposureSocial-ecological transformation
In northern Sweden, the rapid expansion of green industries is transforming the region—but at what cost? As billions are invested in new mines, battery factories, and wind farms—investments are expected to reach 1,400 billion SEK (€120 billion) by 2040—local communities are caught between... read more "Sweden’s “Green Transition”: Opportunities and Challenges"
greenland-elections-640x360 IMAGO/Ritzau Scanpix

Greenland: Parliamentary elections deal blow to left wing government

Jonas Neivelt
Northern ExposureEurope: ruin or renewalElections and parties
Tuesday’s election to the Inatsisartut – the parliament of Greenland (Kalaallit Nunaat) – resulted in resounding defeat for the country’s left wing government parties and a landslide victory for liberal party Demokraatit. At the time of writing, many questions remain unanswered about... read more "Greenland: Parliamentary elections deal blow to left wing government"
imago792233206-640x360 IMAGO/Ritzau Scanpix

Greenland: “It’s the white man—send him home!”

Jonas Neivelt
Northern ExposureEurope: ruin or renewalElections and parties
Caught between a Danish colonial past and threats from Donald Trump’s US, Greenland (Kalaallit Nunaat) will hold elections to its parliament, the Inatsisartut, today, on March 11. Greenland’s political status within the Kingdom of Denmark is difficult to explain, especially to those who are not from ... read more "Greenland: “It’s the white man—send him home!”"
imago107456246-640x360 imago images/Ritzau Scanpix

“Rescuing” Muslim Women: A Justification for Discrimination

Farhiya Khalid
Northern ExposureEmancipatory Feminist Economy
The Danish state’s distinction between Danes, Western immigrants and their descendants as opposed to non-Western immigrants and their descendants isn’t a neutral classification—it’s a strategic tool used to justify discrimination. One of the most powerful justifications for ... read more "”Rescuing” Muslim Women: A Justification for Discrimination"
imago556873413-640x360 IMAGO/TT

Women’s Battle for Time in Sweden

Martina Skrak
Northern ExposureEmancipatory Feminist Economy
In Sweden, there is an ongoing struggle over working conditions and hours, with women-dominated trade unions at the forefront. History shows that change is possible when the labour and women’s movements unite, but despite strikes and demands for shorter working hours, progress has been modest. With increasing economic ... read more "Women’s Battle for Time in Sweden"
li-andersson-640x360 Flicker / The Left

“Europe Needs to Stand on Its Own Feet”

Li Andersson, Albert Scharenberg
Northern ExposureEurope: ruin or renewal
Li Andersson of the Finnish Left Alliance on the challenges posed by Russia’s war in Ukraine and Trump’s return The Russian invasion of Ukraine impacted not only the states of Eastern Europe, but also the Scandinavian countries to a particular extent. This applies first and foremost to Finland, which had ... read more "“Europe Needs to Stand on Its Own Feet”"
iceland-640x360 IMAGO/Seeliger

Scratching the Seven-Year Itch: Iceland votes to change government

Luke Field
Northern ExposureElections and parties
Note: This article uses Icelandic naming conventions. Most persons referenced do not have family names and are therefore primarily referred to by their given name.   On Saturday 30 November, Icelanders went to the polls to elect a new Althing (parliament). The second election to be ... read more "Scratching the Seven-Year Itch: Iceland votes to change government"
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