Sweden's transformation in the last century was brought about not by the military prowess of exceptional Swedes (indeed neutrality has been a key element in Swedish policy for almost two centuries) but by the creative ability of its people. Sweden has emerged as a model welfare state and a well-ordered democracy, to which economists, sociologists, feminists, architects, and scientists from sophisticated nations have paid study visits. Sweden now depends on international trade to preserve its high standard of living and, in a world of harsh international competition, often has to struggle to maintain its welfare system and its reputation. Despite its present difficulties, however, it remains one of the world's most advanced and affluent democracies. This third edition of Historical Dictionary of Sweden contains a chronology, an introduction, appendixes, an extensive bibliography, and a dictionary section with more than 300 cross-referenced entries on important personalities, politics, economy, foreign relations, religion, and culture. This book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about Sweden.
Elisabeth Elgn is an associate professor of history at the Department of History at Stockholm University in Sweden. Her main field of research is Contemporary Political History and she is specialized in gender topics as well as in French History. Irene Scobbie is one of Great Britain's leading specialists on Scandinavia. She is the author of the two first editions of the Historical Dictionary of Sweden.
