This has been done by examining the importance of historical, legal, political and cultural conditions for the development of a freer public sphere in the Nordic countries, from the formative phase in the early 19th century to a gradually broader public sphere towards the end of the century.

Extensive freedom of expression and a well-functioning public sphere are generally considered prerequisites for today's trust-based open Nordic societies.

The Nordic countries achieve top rankings in international rankings with regard to freedom of expression and transparency.

But freedom of expression and a well-functioning public sphere cannot be taken for granted, and history shows that there has been a development over time characterized by struggle, conflict, gradual change and setbacks.

The research group has contributed through its research to a historically informed understanding of current Nordic conditions.

The research group consisted of around 30 researchers from Norwegian and Nordic universities, from history, law, theology, history of ideas, political science, and literary studies.

Cooperating partners

The group was led by Dag Michalsen and Ruth Hemstad and?comprises of participants from the following institutions:

Publications

Events

The Public Sphere and Freedom of Expression, Britain and the Nordic Countries 1815-1900

The UiO:Nordic project "The Public Sphere and Freedom of Expression in the Nordic Countries, 1815-1900" and the Department of Scandinavian Studies at University College London invite to the conference "The Public Sphere and Freedom of Expression, Britain and the Nordic Countries 1815-1900" in London, 7-8 June, 2018.

Time and place:??–?,?University College London