This book examines Nordic civil societies from 1800 until today, by studying the roles of voluntary action and associations in the Nordic region and beyond.

Through its diverse and historically informed analyses of civil society, traditionally held to be a vital and integrated part of the democratic development of the region, this book actively engages in discourses addressing the development of Norden, the “Nordic Model” of society and the idea of a “Nordic exceptionalism”. Focussing on the state-civil society nexus and transnational dimension, the book offers a comprehensive multidisciplinary discussion through twelve case studies, and analyses what – if anything – is particularly Nordic about civil society developments in the region, whether and how the Nordic countries stand out in terms of civil societies’ roles and impact, and the blurred boundaries between civil society, the state and the market.

This book will be of key interest to scholars and students of Nordic or Scandinavian Studies, European Studies, Civil Society Studies, Political Science, History, Sociology and Literary studies.