Scandinavian Unexceptionalism
| Author | Nima Sanandaji |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | Political economy |
| Publisher | Institute of Economic Affairs |
Publication date | 2015 |
| Publication place | UK |
| Media type | Print (paperback, eBook) |
| ISBN | 978-0-255-36705-9 |
Scandinavian Unexceptionalism: Culture, Markets and the Failure of Third-Way Socialism (2015, ISBN 978-0-255-36705-9) is a book by Kurdish-Swedish author and scientist Nima Sanandaji, promoting the idea that unique norms and free markets can explain the economic and social success of Scandinavia rather than large welfare states. The book was published on 23 June 2015 by the British think tank Institute of Economic Affairs,[1] and was also released in Stockholm in co-operation with think tank Timbro.[2] The foreword is written by US libertarian author Tom Palmer.
Synopsis
In the book, Sanandaji argues that particularly the left has long praised Scandinavian countries for their high levels of welfare provision and admirable societal outcomes. Although true that Scandinavian countries are successful, the author makes the case that this success pre-dates the welfare state. According to Sanandaji Scandinavians became successful by combining a culture with strong emphasis on individual responsibility with economic freedom. This can also explain why Scandinavian Americans, who live outside Nordic welfare states, have low levels of poverty and high levels of prosperity.[3]
Reception
Table of contents
- Preface
- Understanding Nordic success
- The Scandinavian free-market success story
- The failure of third-way policies
- Job creation during free-market and thirdway periods
- Hiding the rise of taxation
- Admirable social outcomes and low levels of inequality before big welfare states
- Success of Scandinavian descendants in the US
- Welfare dependency
- The welfare state – social poverty and
- Norway vs Sweden – a natural experiment in
- The welfare state and the failure of
- Welfare states and the success of women
- Rock stars of free-market recovery
- Scandinavian unexceptionalism
- Glossary, Select Bibliography, Acknowledgements, Index
References
Footnotes
- ^ "Scandinavian success is not due to high taxes and welfare spending". IEA. Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA). 23 Jun 2015. Retrieved 14 August 2015.
- ^ Sanandaji, Nima. "Bokpresentation 24 juni: Scandinavian Unexceptionalism (Book presentation June 24: Scandinavian Unexceptionalism)". Timbro. Retrieved 14 August 2015.
- ^ "Scandinavian Unexceptionalism: Culture, Markets and the Failure of Third-Way Socialism". IEA. Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA). 23 June 2015. Retrieved 14 August 2015.