Overview
Nordic Capitalism shows how democratic capitalism supports freedom, shared prosperity, and sustainability through a comparative analysis of Nordic and American capitalisms. Drawing on real-world examples and personal experience, Robert Gavin Strand distills ten core lessons from the Nordic context to advance a more just, dignified, and sustainable form of capitalism. He examines how Nordic nations consistently lead in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) rankings and societal well-being indicators, and how Nordic companies frequently top sustainability and stakeholder performance rankings. Challenging the assertion that there is 'no alternative' to American-style capitalism rooted in neoliberalism, he dispels the mischaracterization of Nordic societies as 'socialist.' Blending rigorous scholarship with compelling storytelling, this book speaks to scholars, business leaders, policymakers, students, and concerned citizens. The Nordic variety of capitalism serves as a North Star – offering practical guidance and hope for realizing sustainable capitalism. This title is also available as open access on Cambridge Core.
Full Product Details
Author: Robert Gavin Strand (University of California, Berkeley)
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Imprint: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 9781009646529
ISBN 10: 1009646524
Pages: 420
Publication Date: 12 March 2026
Audience:
General/trade
,
General
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: Manufactured on demand
We will order this item for you from a manufactured on demand supplier.
Reviews
'Chances are that the person picking up this book knows of only one variant of capitalism – shareholder capitalism which is practiced in the United States and most western countries. But in this book, Robert Gavin Strand shows us that there are other ways to structure our economy and presents Nordic capitalism as a model for what is possible to serve all of society and not just favor the small percentage of wealthy.' Andrew J. Hoffman, Professor, Ross School of Business, University of Michigan and Author of 'Business School and the Noble Purpose of the Market' (2025)
'Where democracy is in charge of capitalism, the people win. When capitalism is in charge of democracy, the oligarchs win. In this important book, Robert Gavin Strand shows how democracies can stay in charge. Nordic Capitalism explains that the Nordic nations can be a model for the US, and how democratic capitalism serves the many, not the few.' Robert B. Reich, Former US Secretary of Labor, Professor Emeritus of Public Policy, UC Berkeley, and author of Coming Up Short 'Nordic Capitalism reminds us how free societies stay free: rebuilding social capital, strengthening institutions, and reviving the story of the common good. The Nordic nations, more than any others, have found a way to have a capitalism that excels in both dynamism and decency. In this important book, Strand shows us how they do it, and how other nations can learn from them.' Jonathan Haidt, Thomas Cooley Professor of Ethical Leadership, NYU Stern, and author of The Righteous Mind and The Anxious Generation 'From Greta Thunberg to carbon taxes, this timely and compelling book explores how the Nordic countries have become global exemplars of sustainability – without compromising innovation, economic freedom, or prosperity. Blending case studies with personal insights, it reimagines what responsible leadership looks like in the twenty-first century.' Anu Partanen, Author of The Nordic Theory of Everything: In Search of a Better Life 'A book for anyone who wants to learn a model of sustainable capitalism that works for both people and the planet.' Rose Marcario, Partner at ReGen Ventures and former President and CEO of Patagonia, Inc. 'Nordic Capitalism shows how Nordic prosperity is built on putting people before profits. Strand holds up a clear mirror to Nordic societies, revealing what works and what must improve. A timely call for Nordic leadership grounded in mutual respect, cooperation, and democracy in today's turbulent world.' Mads Øvlisen, Former CEO and Chairman of Novo Nordisk, former Chairman of LEGO and author of Heartcore 'Chances are that the person picking up this book knows of only one variant of capitalism – shareholder capitalism which is practiced in the United States and most western countries. But in this book, Robert Gavin Strand shows us that there are other ways to structure our economy and presents Nordic capitalism as a model for what is possible to serve all of society and not just favor the small percentage of wealthy.' Andrew J. Hoffman, Professor, Ross School of Business, University of Michigan and Author of Business School and the Noble Purpose of the Market (2025) 'How can an economy lead in dynamism, happiness and sustainability? In Nordic Capitalism, Strand explores this question through companies like Novo Nordisk, Nokia, Equinor, and IKEA – firms that pair global success with innovation, worker protections, and cultures of cooperation. The Nordic economic model challenges assumptions about market economies. Strand's compelling book is essential reading for anyone interested in a better form of capitalism.' Andrew Nestingen, Professor of Scandinavian Studies, University of Washington, Seattle
Author Information
Robert Gavin Strand is the founding Executive Director of the Nordic Center at University of California, Berkeley; Executive Director of the Center for Responsible Business at the Haas School of Business; and Associate Professor at Copenhagen Business School. A leading global expert on sustainable business, he is a preeminent voice advancing democratic capitalism as the foundation for realizing sustainable capitalism.
