The Survival of the European Welfare State (Routledge/ECPR Studies in European Political Science)

'Crisis'. 'Breakdown'. 'Dismantlement.' Since the 1970's, these have become the catchphrases used to describe the condition of the welfare states in Europe, in academic and media analyses alike. This book provides an alternative, more optimistic interpretation. It aims to increase both theoretical understanding and empirical knowledge of recent welfare reforms in areas including Spain, Denmark, the UK, Germany and the EU as a whole. An essential resource for students, researchers and practitioners with an interest in the welfare state.

Stein Kuhnle is Professor of Comparative Politics at the University of Bergen, Norway. He has written extensively and published in many languages on comparative welfare state development in Scandinavia and Europe.