I'm curious what the major political factions are and how they map onto or fail to map onto our own. Do they have Bush/Romney type conservatives? Reagan conservatives? Blue dog Dem types? AOC types? Libertarians? The anarcho-syndicalists from Monty Python and the Holy Grail?
The Åland Islands would be of interest to you! They are an autonomous (my fave) region of Finland, although Swedish is the official language, and have an interesting history. (A more tongue-in-cheek ‘breakaway’ micronation is the republic of Önneköp).
Perhaps some research on the history/military relations in the maritime regions in light of NATO expansion and Russian relations
Can you interview a local about the government size questions you explored? In a previous podcast you mentioned that you have heard that many Europeans prefer their countries programs, but are skeptical of EU-wide programs that can’t fit their countries needs and how that relates to US state vs. federal powers and programs.
Shame I won't be there! Just left Norway yesterday. Definitely look into the economical differences between Norway and the rest of the EU. I know you've got a big hangup against tariffs, farm subsidies, and government control of industries, and Norway has all of that in spades. Very protectionist country and one that tries to keep outside companies from coming in (see Lidl failing for ex) and keep alive traditional if non profitable industries (TINE monopoly & govt subsidized).
I would be curious if you could meet a local representative for determining minimum wage laws. Whenever you speak about it, it’s pretty fascinating. Even though they are smaller, they break it down by region and industry, correct?
(My answer: because they had the good sense to separate energy transmission from production, allowing for a competitive free market in energy generation that has provided an affordable mix of surprisingly green energy sources. This is a model that we could implement in the United States, but the politicians are too afraid of the powerful energy monopolies that they themselves created.)
I am under the impression that September 3, 1967 is a well known date in Sweden and that most Swedes, especially amongst the older generation, will know what happened on that day.
While you are in Sweden if you can conduct an informal survey I am very curious of the result.
Whereabouts in Sweden will you be? If you come down south, to the Malmö region, I could definitely buy you a beer! We have some killer karaoke as well, just saying.
Regarding questions to explore, I think the energy policies of each of those countries could be interesting. For being such similar countries our policies are quite different, and they tell a story about how things like location affects political thinking.
If not, then I’m sure an episode on democratic monarchies and how they could remain in social democratic Scandinavia (and why Finland opted to become a republic despite being the more conservative country) would be an interesting topic for your US listeners.
Hey! I’m in Northern Norway at the moment. Specifically I am in Gildeskål and Bodø this week and I’ll be in Lofoten next week.
One really hot tip about Norwegian politics is that our elections for parliament will be this September, so the campaign is starting fully right now. Connected to that is what you could think of as a huge political convention in Arendal in week 33 (August 11 to 15) where all the major think tanks and all the major political figures will be. If you could make it there it would be the definition of perfect timing.
It seems like you've been exploring the prison system lately. The Scandinavian prison system, from what I understand, contrasts severely with what we have because of its emphasis on rehabilitation and reintegration. This might be a great opportunity to dig in and see how their system works, if it succeeds for them because of their unique culture, or if it is something which might work elsewhere.
I'm curious what the major political factions are and how they map onto or fail to map onto our own. Do they have Bush/Romney type conservatives? Reagan conservatives? Blue dog Dem types? AOC types? Libertarians? The anarcho-syndicalists from Monty Python and the Holy Grail?
The Åland Islands would be of interest to you! They are an autonomous (my fave) region of Finland, although Swedish is the official language, and have an interesting history. (A more tongue-in-cheek ‘breakaway’ micronation is the republic of Önneköp).
Perhaps some research on the history/military relations in the maritime regions in light of NATO expansion and Russian relations
Can you interview a local about the government size questions you explored? In a previous podcast you mentioned that you have heard that many Europeans prefer their countries programs, but are skeptical of EU-wide programs that can’t fit their countries needs and how that relates to US state vs. federal powers and programs.
Shame I won't be there! Just left Norway yesterday. Definitely look into the economical differences between Norway and the rest of the EU. I know you've got a big hangup against tariffs, farm subsidies, and government control of industries, and Norway has all of that in spades. Very protectionist country and one that tries to keep outside companies from coming in (see Lidl failing for ex) and keep alive traditional if non profitable industries (TINE monopoly & govt subsidized).
I would be curious if you could meet a local representative for determining minimum wage laws. Whenever you speak about it, it’s pretty fascinating. Even though they are smaller, they break it down by region and industry, correct?
Can't speak for Sweden and Finland, but Norway has no minimum wage, the wages are all negotiated by the respective occupations union
Well if you go north enough, enjoy jogging at midnight so long as you wear sunscreen!
Here's a good question. Why is electricity so much cheaper than in the rest of Europe?
https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/cost-of-electricity-by-country
(My answer: because they had the good sense to separate energy transmission from production, allowing for a competitive free market in energy generation that has provided an affordable mix of surprisingly green energy sources. This is a model that we could implement in the United States, but the politicians are too afraid of the powerful energy monopolies that they themselves created.)
I am under the impression that September 3, 1967 is a well known date in Sweden and that most Swedes, especially amongst the older generation, will know what happened on that day.
While you are in Sweden if you can conduct an informal survey I am very curious of the result.
Whereabouts in Sweden will you be? If you come down south, to the Malmö region, I could definitely buy you a beer! We have some killer karaoke as well, just saying.
Regarding questions to explore, I think the energy policies of each of those countries could be interesting. For being such similar countries our policies are quite different, and they tell a story about how things like location affects political thinking.
If not, then I’m sure an episode on democratic monarchies and how they could remain in social democratic Scandinavia (and why Finland opted to become a republic despite being the more conservative country) would be an interesting topic for your US listeners.
Hey! I’m in Northern Norway at the moment. Specifically I am in Gildeskål and Bodø this week and I’ll be in Lofoten next week.
One really hot tip about Norwegian politics is that our elections for parliament will be this September, so the campaign is starting fully right now. Connected to that is what you could think of as a huge political convention in Arendal in week 33 (August 11 to 15) where all the major think tanks and all the major political figures will be. If you could make it there it would be the definition of perfect timing.
Not a content request, but if you are in Stockholm, you ABSOLUTELY MUST go to the Vasa Museum.
It seems like you've been exploring the prison system lately. The Scandinavian prison system, from what I understand, contrasts severely with what we have because of its emphasis on rehabilitation and reintegration. This might be a great opportunity to dig in and see how their system works, if it succeeds for them because of their unique culture, or if it is something which might work elsewhere.
I am curious in the ways of Scandinavia. Are they socialist? Or is that just what some Americans want others to think?
Also, Scandinavian Jazz is wonderful.
Some street interviews along these lines would be interesting and entertaining. Not heatons style, but still. Great idea!