SCANDINAVIAN EXCEPTIONALISM AND EUROPEAN-UNION

In contrast to more usual interest-based accounts, this analysis of th e Scandinavian national debates about EU membership focuses on the con flict between different normative standpoints on the implications of m embership for the future of the Scandinavian exceptional state. The de bates shared a number of crucial features, notably the prominence of e xceptionalist (i.e. progressivist and internationalist) critiques of t he European project, but distinctive national setttings also produced significant variations. It is argued that normative analysis of the de bates identifies some key issues concerning the future of Scandinavian exceptionalism and, more generally, questions overly exogenous accoun ts of foreign policy change in small states.