The Nordic countries Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden are frequently considered a distinct group of countries in political science studies. The term Nordic model(s) is sometimes used to describe the policies pursued by these countries. The aim of the book is to examine whether there is one or several Nordic model(s), whether there have been any changes over time in the distinctiveness of the Nordic countries, and when and why the Nordic model(s) emerged. Moreover, in light of recent global economic, legislative and political integration, will the Nordic distinctiveness last? This book examines Nordic models in several key areas of political science, such as state- and nation-building, political parties and party systems, determinants of party choice, representation and parliamentarism, gender and politics, central governmental institutions, regional and local governments, interest intermediation and interest group representation, and welfare state and knowledge regimes. The Nordic Models in Political Science provides an introduction for students and academic readers interested in Nordic politics in general and Nordic models in particular. «This is a thorough and balanced assessment of the 'Nordic model'. It shows that, in spite of change and transnational convergence, distinctive features of the Nordic states have survived, producing substantially different outcomes in important policy fields.» - Michael Keating, Professor of Politics, Universities of Aberdeen and Edinburgh Editor: Oddbjørn Knutsen, Professor at the Department of Political Science, University of Oslo Other contributors: Harald Baldersheim, Einar Berntzen, Karl Hagen Bjurstrøm, Johan Christensen, Tom Christensen, Åse Gornitzka, Knut Heidar, Cathrine Holst, Stein Kuhnle, Axel West Pedersen, Bjørn Erik Rasch, Hilmar Rommetvedt, Lawrence E. Rose, Siv Sandberg, Hege Skjeie and Mari Teigen.