IAS Book Launch: The Story of Scandinavia

Scandinavia erupted onto the stage of world history in the Viking Age, when warriors from the north set upon Europe and the Near East, driven by dark gods and a lust for treasure. That brutal period was followed by the evocatively named Age of Perpetual War. For a thousand years, the Scandinavian countries were kingdoms of repression in which monarchs played at being European powers, at the expense of their own populations. During most of their history, Denmark, Sweden and Norway were bitter enemies. These rivalries have never been fully settled: undercurrents of mutual envy, contempt and pity remain. And yet, Scandinavia as a whole now stands as a beacon to the world, a haven of egalitarianism and mutual support. How on earth did this happen? What caused this miraculous transformation, and what does it mean to be Scandinavian today? Join political scientist Stein Ringen for a fascinating journey through 1,200 years of turbulence, darkness and, finally, hope. From the Viking age to social democracy, the story of Scandinavia has never been told, until now.

The event will be chaired by Professor Jakob Stougaard-Nielsen (UCL SELCS Scandinavian Studies) and will commence with an introduction by Deputy Head of Mission, Mr. Øyvind Hernes (Royal Norwegian Embassy). The talk will be followed by discussion and a drinks reception, where copies of the book will be available to purchase.

This book launch is organised by the Institute of Advanced Studies, UCL SELCS Scandinavian Studies with support from The Royal Norwegian Embassy in London.