Robust and Flexible States: The Transnationalisation of Nordic Central Administration

This article perceives the present development of Nordic administrative regimes as a process of transnationalisation, comparing the central administrations of Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden in adapting to the European Union. Based on a survey covering all units in ministries and central agencies in these four countries, observed patterns of adaptation are being interpreted as “translation” into national contexts. The Nordic administrative regimes are, thus, robust and flexible at the same time as increased integration into Europe generates considerable variations in administrative behaviour, while administrative institutions remain largely unchanged.