The international symposium ‘Is the Nordic welfare model facing a period of great upheaval in the 2020s? A dialogue between the Nordics and Japan’ was held at the Graduate School of Policy Science (GSPS), Ritsumeikan University, on Thursday 28 November 2024 only in English. The event focused on the main issues currently facing the welfare state, such as ageing, economic pressure and the rise of populism, from a political science perspective in particular.

At the symposium, two guest speakers gave their views. Professor Stein Kuhnle from the University of Bergen in Norway and the Hertie School in Berlin explained the historical background of how the ‘universalism’ of the Nordic welfare model is an important element in building a strong welfare system. He emphasized that the Nordic welfare model is adaptable and effective because, despite challenges such as an ageing population and global uncertainty, crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic are often short-term and can be overcome through continuous improvement and innovation.

Meanwhile, Professor Masato Kamikubo of the GSPS raised the question of why the populism has been spread in Europe whilst its impact has been limited in Japan. He analyzed that the key to suppressing populism is to ensure inclusiveness and flexibility in policy making by incorporating the ideas of various political groups into the ruling party (LDP).

Discussant Hiroki Narita, Associate Professor at the GSPS, referred to the dilemma of the welfare state in balancing economic and political stability with moral and normative foundations, and emphasized that austerity measures and welfare cuts can increase unemployment and inequality, which can fuel reactionary populism. He questioned whether basic income could be a solution in terms of promoting inclusivity without placing responsibility on individuals.

Another discussant, Professor Yoko Otsuka of the GSPS stated that international cooperation and a gradual slow transition to change are essential for the sustainability of the welfare state. She emphasized that long-term cooperation and a shared identity enable the Nordic countries to adapt to challenges. She also touched on the current situation, in which countries are once again prioritizing defense spending over welfare. Finally, she questioned whether the universalist undertones of the promises often made in elections in Japan, which are in reality not willing to accept diversity and complexity, are ultimately becoming discriminatory and preventing social inclusion.

The event concluded with an interesting Q&A session, in which students from each country expressed their opinions and asked questions from their own country's perspective. The discussion showed a strong interest in finding solutions to the challenges currently facing the welfare state. Overall, the symposium was a great opportunity for participants to exchange ideas and think about how welfare systems can adapt to global issues.