The Nordic model of welfare is often characterized as a model that has successfully managed to combine high standards of living and equality with economic efficiency. What has made this possible, and what does the future hold for this model? The aim of the course is to deconstruct the concept of the Nordic welfare model by describing common traits of the welfare systems in Nordic countries as well as displaying differences between them. The historical and political driving forces behind the model(s) are also important to understand, especially as the welfare program that these models entail is much influenced by so-called class alliances between the labour movement and the peasantry. It is also essential to understand the economic and institutional perspectives of the model its financing structure, the strong accentuation of high labour market participation and its distributive effects. Finally, the course assesses the main achievements of the model and discusses the challenges and problems that the Nordic model of welfare faces in a time of globalisation, Europeanization and greying of populations.