ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of key concepts covered in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides a historical analysis of the multifunctional and multilevel character of Nordic cooperation, arguing that this 'Nordic model of transnational cooperation' was crucially important in creating the political and social arrangements commonly known as 'the Nordic model' or 'the Nordic Welfare State'. The chapter discusses on the official institutions of Nordic cooperation, the Nordic welfare state, foreign and security policy, voluntary organizations, law and economy, as well as literature. It discusses the ways in which Norden and Nordic cooperation is changing in the process of reinventing itself. The book considers the future of Nordic cooperation and the potential role of the Nordic region in Europe and globally. It focuses mainly on multilateral cooperation between the five Nordic countries, whereas the plethora of intersecting bi and trilateral contacts and networks are given less attention.
