Can the Idea of Social Democracy be Rescued?

For many decades, Scandinavia was the celebrated heartland of classic social democracy. The strength of left-wing parties and progressive compromises between workers, employers and government enabled a commitment to full employment policies and generous welfare entitlements that produced social trust and democratic stability.

Yet the advent of liberalization and globalization has put these historic achievements under pressure since the 1980s. Moreover, the last decade has witnessed the rise of far right parties, channeling rising nativism and anti-immigrant sentiments, in Sweden, Finland, Norway and Denmark.

What explains these dramatic changes? Are they also related to increasing problems of inequality and democracy in the global South? If so, are there innovations and alliances that social democrats across these regions can learn and build?

The distinguished social scientist Olle Törnquist explores these questions in conversation with Sanjay Ruparelia.