The End of Nordic "Exceptionalism"— Report

The Nordic countries are at a crossroads. A crossroads that is testing our global role, our leaders and our identity. Our choices will affect the lives of millions of people all over the world.

The Nordic countries have a unique role in the world in their efforts in peace, sustainable development and poverty alleviation. They are characterized by high levels of development aid in which poverty alleviation is the overall objective.

In addition, Nordic politicians have invested time and resources in political processes where they don't necessarily have direct self interests: peace negotiations, UN Sustainable Development Goals and gender equality.

We call it The Nordic Exceptionalism. It's not exceptionalism as in smugness, it's exceptionalism as in idealism and will to make a change that can benefit the world's poor, and hence ourselves. The efforts against poverty and injustice are the Nordic countries' long term interests. It gives the Nordic governments credibility and authority in the international arena, and contributes to reduce poverty for millions of people.

Read "The End of Nordic Exceptionalism?" here