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Polarization also grows in Sweden. On the Swedish upcoming elections 2018

Both the Alliance, the Red-Greens and the Sweden Democrats seek to profile themselves as the defenders of the welfare state, against the allegedly anti-welfare policies of the others. This rhetorical scramble has not, however, resulted in any deeper debate on the reach of the welfare state and the scope of solidarity. In Sweden as well as elsewhere, polarization proves a fertile ground for the deployment of alternative facts, fake news and propagandistic hyperbole.

By Carl Marklund August 21, 2018

The Icons of “the Red Banker” Olof Aschberg and the transactions of social capital

Just as the Soviets could trade “Rembrandts for tractors,” Aschberg could trade icons for social capital, while his donations also served the purpose of establishing links between himself in Paris and his business, cultural, and political contacts in Stockholm and ensuring the longevity of Swedish contacts with its great neighbor to the east, Russia.

Essay by Carl Marklund June 18, 2018

Frameworks for University Cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region

From the discussions at the “Frameworks for University Cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region” conference, the new EU-level interest in the region as well as increased Russian attention to the Baltic Sea sent a strong signal regarding the contemporary relevance and future importance of Baltic Sea cooperation.

By Carl Marklund December 6, 2013