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.

IMAGO/Ritzau Scanpix

Greenland: Parliamentary elections deal blow to left wing government

13. March 2025

Northern Exposure Europe: ruin or renewal Elections 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 ... read more

IMAGO/Ritzau Scanpix

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

11. March 2025

Northern Exposure Europe: ruin or renewal Elections 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 ... read more

imago images/Ritzau Scanpix

”Rescuing” Muslim Women: A Justification for Discrimination

8. March 2025

Northern Exposure Emancipatory 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 ... read more

IMAGO/TT

Women’s Battle for Time in Sweden

8. March 2025

Northern Exposure Emancipatory 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 ... read more

Flicker / The Left

“Europe Needs to Stand on Its Own Feet”

26. February 2025

Northern Exposure Europe: 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

IMAGO/Seeliger

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

10. December 2024

Northern Exposure Elections 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 ... read more

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