Norden:Structures That Do Not Make a Region

Abstract

In the wake of the Cold War, the concept of Norden (‘the North’) comprising the countries of Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland and Iceland has lost some of its attraction. Norden does not any longer imply a favourable position with a lower level of tension than in the rest of Europe. And, admittedly, at present there are many reasons for the promotion of ‘new regionalism’ in the Northern hemisphere and in the Baltic Sea region. It would, however, be a mistake to underestimate the enduring relevance of Norden as a historical region. As it will be shown in this article, there is a multitude of highly important cultural and historical interdependencies and similarities that make Norden an interesting object and case for research.