"The authors make a thorough in-depth study, replete with statistics, of the political, economic, and social life of these three affluent, industrialized democracies, exploring the faults and future of this Scandinavian model. They have no axe to grind and explore both the good and the bad. In these changing times, with a confused world seeking answers to the riddle of economic and political well-being, Modern Welfare States provides a challenge to entrenched ideas." Presidential Studies Quarterly "The book gives a broad overview of Scandinavian history, but focuses on contemporary challenges. It covers a lot of ground and is well-informed. It should open an interesting window to Scandinavia for students who are in need of a first impression of what is so special about Scandinavia." Journal of Politics