This book represents the first recent attempt to provide a comprehensive treatment of Sweden's economic development since the middle of the 18th century. It traces the rapid industrialisation, the political currents and the social ambitions, that transformed Sweden from a backward agrarian economy into what is now regarded by many as a model welfar
Sweden is a Nordic country located in Northern Europe. Its capital and largest city is Stockholm. Sweden has a population of approximately 10 million people, and its official language is Swedish. The country is known for its high standard of living, social welfare system, and progressive values. Sweden is recognized as being one of the most equal societies globally, with a strong emphasis on gender equality and LGBT rights. The Swedish economy is primarily dependent on exports, and its industries include automotive, telecommunications, pharmaceutical, and life sciences. Sweden is also famous for its cultural and natural attractions, including historic architecture, museums, and parks. Sweden has a rich cultural heritage that dates back to prehistoric times. The Viking Age, which lasted from the 8th to the 11th century, greatly influenced the country's culture and identity. Sweden became a sovereign state in the 16th century and enjoyed a period of dominance in the Baltic region. In the 20th century, Sweden became a modern welfare state with a highly developed healthcare and education system. Sweden is also famous for its cuisine, including traditional dishes like meatballs, herring, and potatoes, as well as modern cuisine influenced by international trends. Overall, Sweden is a prosperous, innovative, and culturally diverse country that has made significant contributions to the world.
Since 1814 Sweden has avoided involvement in armed conflicts and carried out policies of non-alignment in peacetime and neutrality during war. Even though the Swedish government often describes Sweden as a ‘nation of peace’, in 2004 the 200-year anniversary of that peace passed by with barely any attention. Despite its extraordinary longevity, research about the Swedish experience of enduring peace is underdeveloped. 200 Years of Peace places this long period of peace in broader academic and public discussions surrounding claimed Swedish exceptionality as it is represented in the nation’s social policies, expansive welfare state, eugenics, gender equality programs, and peace.
This book explores the relationship between democracy and the economy in contemporary political thought and policy-making. Using the concepts of economic, industrial and enterprise democracy, the author focuses on the history of Finland and Sweden during the latter part of the twentieth century. The three concepts are discussed in relation to various political groups, such as social democrats, conservatives and liberals, and the reforms that they were associated with, painting a picture of changing economic thought in the Nordic countries, and the West more generally. Arguing that the concept of democracy has evolved from representative parliamentary democracy towards ‘participation’ in civil society, this book demonstrates how the ideal of individual freedom and choice has surpassed collective decision-making. These shared characteristics between Finland, Sweden and other Western countries challenge the view that the Nordic countries have been exceptional in resisting neoliberalism. In fact, as this book shows, neoliberalism has been influential to the Nordics since the 1970s. Offering an innovative and conceptual perspective on European political history, this book will appeal to scholars interested in Nordic political history and modern European history more generally.