The Nordic countries are often regarded as some of the most stable, equal, and well-functioning societies in the world. With strong welfare systems, high trust in institutions, and a long history of political stability, they have traditionally been viewed as resistant to the political turbulence seen elsewhere. Yet, in recent years, support for populist parties has grown across the region, which has been viewed as a sign of rising discontent.
What is driving this shift? How do economic anxieties, cultural change, and social divides shape political sentiment?
Which role does the green transition play? And how can policymakers address discontent while ensuring a just and inclusive transition?
This webinar on 26 March (13.00-14.30 CET / Stockholm) explored the interplay between rising inequalities, political discontent, and the green transition in the Nordic Region.
In the webinar, we share highlights from research-based analysis from Ensuring inclusive economic growth in the transition to a green economy (EnIGG) project, discuss insights and policy implications, and present a new policy brief on navigating these tensions on the path towards a just and inclusive transition.
Speakers and panelists include:
- Carlos Tapia, Senior Research Fellow, Nordregio
- Myriam Chilvers, Research Fellow, Nordregio
- Kamila Dzhavatova, GIS Analyst, Nordregio
- Nora Sánchez Gassen, Senior Research Fellow, Nordregio
- Merethe Dotterud Leiren, Research Director, CICERO (Center for International Climate Research)
- Susanne Wallman Lundåsen, Senior Associate Professor, Linköping University
- Tomas Hanell, Senior Research Fellow, Migration Institute of Finland
Moderator: Miia Itänen, Nordregio
Programme
| 13:00 Welcome and introduction |
| 13:05 Understanding geographies of discontent Myriam Chilvers (Nordregio) |
| 13:15 Mapping regional divides across the Nordic Region Kamila Dzhavatova (Nordregio) |
| 13:30 Inequality, voting patterns and the green paradox Carlos Tapia (Nordregio) |
| 13:40 Q&A |
| 13:45 Panel discussion: green transition in the age of discontent Merethe Dotterud Leiren (CICERO) Susanne Wallman Lundåsen (Linköping University) Tomas Hanell (Migration Institute of Finland) Carlos Tapia & Nora Sánchez Gassen (Nordregio) comments & input from the audience |
| 14:15 Looking ahead: what are the policy implications? Nora Sánchez Gassen (Nordregio) |
| 14:30 End of the webinar |
