CN21 The Swedish Theory of Love

Crossing North

Are Swedes humans? What is the Swedish theory of love? Historians Henrik Berggren and Lars Trägårdh are perhaps best known as the co-authors of the 2006 Swedish bestseller Är svensken människa?, which describes the Swedish model of statist individualism wherein the state supports individual autonomy. The book has been widely read, discussed, and debated, and it continues to enliven debates today. Now, thanks to the University of Washington Press, their book appears for the first time in English translation as The Swedish Theory of Love. Henrik and Lars’ book offers much to American audiences interested in understanding the philosophy behind the Swedish welfare model, as well as those interested in imagining alternative political futures here or abroad. *** This episode was written, edited, and produced by Colin Gioia Connors. *** Transcript available at https://scandinavian.washington.edu/crossing-north-21-swedish-theory-love *** The Swedish Theory of Love is available through the University of Washington Press. https://uwapress.uw.edu/book/9780295750552/the-swedish-theory-of-love/ *** Theme music used with permission by Kristján Hrannar Pálsson: open.spotify.com/album/1dDmFxNvfYVnQwq7up7rxS *** Crossing North is a production of the Department of Scandinavian Studies and the Baltic Studies Program at the University of Washington in Seattle. scandinavian.washington.edu/crossing-north-podcast *** Support Crossing North: Donate to the "Friends of Scandinavian Languages and Literature Fund" scandinavian.washington.edu/support-us