Handbook of Nordic Cooperation

This illuminating Handbook explores transnational Nordic cooperation from a broad historical and political perspective. It examines the entangled and variegated history of Nordic collaboration from early civil society initiatives to comprehensive official cooperation, as well as responses to recent challenges such as defence and foreign policy.Leading experts discuss the vast scope and variety of Nordic cooperation forms and forums operating in areas including labour market policy, the welfare state, Sami regional developments, the environment and gender equality policies. Chapters shed light on public institutions and authorities such as the Nordic Council and the Nordic Council of Ministers, reflecting on their vision for making the region the most sustainable and integrated in the world by 2030. The Handbook further investigates Nordic collaboration within the UN, EU, NATO, the Baltics and the Arctic, ultimately demonstrating that the success of the Nordic model of society is the result of long-term transnational cooperation.Students and scholars of European politics and policy, international relations, Nordic and Scandinavian studies and transnationalism will greatly benefit from this astute Handbook. Thorough and detailed, it is also an essential resource for policymakers, civil servants and politicians working in the Nordic region.