Review of 'The nation-state in transformation: economic globalisation, institutional mediation and political values, edited by Michael Boss.' (Pre-published version)

Abstract

This insightful, hugely diverse, and highly informative volume seeks to adopt a comparative approach principally to Denmark and Ireland, two small states that, prior to the onset of the 2008 global economic crisis, were portrayed as having successfully adapted to the processes of globalisation. The decision by the editor Michael Boss to adopt a comparative approach to the two states is a salutary one, as among the central premises of this volume is the contention that small states, and in particular small Northern European states such as Denmark and Ireland, have traditionally maintained their respective competitiveness by balancing open economies and flexible industrial policies within various forms of social partnership and welfare states. Superficially at least, the two states share strong similarities given howboth are geographically peripheral nations in the north-west of Europe, of similar geographical size and relatively ethnically homogeneous populations,with strong rural traditions. Additionally, both have been historically overshadowed by a more powerful, imperial neighbour.