The book, published in 2006, tells the story of what the United States can learn from a seemingly socialist country in Scandinavia.
The author is a Swede American lawyer, judge and politician who strongly admires how Swedish policy makers shape modern society. Mr. Gustafson is a dedicated patriot who believes in the ideals of Americans. However, he did see some very interesting political solutions on the land of his ancestors.
The guiding star in modern society?
Sweden is the largest country in Scandinavia and was named the second largest competitor after Switzerland by the World Economic Forum in 2010. It is also the country with the most balanced distribution of wealth in any country in the world.
In order to uncover the "secret" of Sweden, Earl Gustafson studied the socio-economic development of the United States and Sweden. He described the guiding principles of democracy and how the two countries follow these principles.
Compare two very different history
The book also provides readers with a comprehensive historical review of the two countries. Before the middle of the 2nd century, most parts of Sweden were underdeveloped. Thousands of people left poverty in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to find a better life in the United States.
On the other hand, the US economic growth and technological development are stable, but the war has a long history. After the end of the Second World War, when the rest of Europe was in ruins, Sweden's commercial and industrial sectors were very confidential.
Later 20day Century development
This is a golden age in Sweden, when politicians were able to build a better society for their highly homogenous population and have a strong Lutheran ethics. The pure logic of investing in education and technology is not to be disputed. This is clearly a way to bring modern living standards into the country and provide basic living standards for all.
As Mr. Gustafson clearly pointed out, the key to Sweden's "secret" is the combination of many factors. They include the country's effective and free market economy, as well as a high percentage of women in leadership and authority positions.
Similar modern culture - with different values
It also discusses the differences between the US and Swedish mentality. Although Americans dream of a huge fortune: "The sky is the limit," the Swedes have a more moderate view, rooted in the Viking era. Traditionally in Sweden, everyone in the group should have a good life, but the accumulation of huge wealth is almost doubtful.
This traditional way of thinking in Sweden may contribute to a cautious government budget today. The country has not only managed to achieve a balanced budget, but has also provided a buffer to prevent future economics from becoming more difficult.
Cautious and skilled balance act
Perhaps part of the Swedish "secret" is their down-to-earth planning in a period of slowing economic growth while investing in the future as reasonably possible. This is a continuous balancing act that becomes more unstable due to the size of the country.
So, what can the US learn from the Swedish model?
This book was written by a very concerned American citizen, hopefully.
Perhaps his most important message is that the United States is working hard to solve several key socio-economic problems today, but these problems are not unique to the United States and have successfully solved these problems elsewhere for the benefit of the people.
Http://www.sweden.se/
Lund, Sweden
March 2012
Orignal From: Earl Gustafson's Swedish Secret
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