Exercise 1:
Please answer either essay A or essay B
A: Describe the “variable geometry” (the differences) in the Nordic countries’ integration into the European Union.
Discuss the reasons why these countries differ in their relations with the EU.
B: Describe the party systems today in two countries - one Scandinavian and one Nordic but non-Scandinavian (that is Finland or Iceland).
To what extent are the party systems of the Nordic countries similar and to what extent are they different? How well do the notion of a “five party system” capture the situation today?
Exercise 2:
Please answer three (3) of the following four questions.
a) What are the central characteristics of the Nordic welfare state model?
b) Stein Rokkan formulated a “triangular model for electoral fronts” that is often used to describe political cleavages in the Nordic countries. What are the three “poles” in this model? Which political conflicts are found between the “poles”?
c) Women in the Nordic countries have a strong presence in political institutions and parties compared to most other democracies. What are the reasons for their strong presence?
d) All Nordic countries have PR (proportional representation) electoral systems. Why do they still vary in terms of proportionality in their parliaments?