Course Title
Growing Pains and Common Dilemmas in Liberal Societies – the Case of Iceland
Professor
Hanne Larsen, Clinical Professor
Dates
March 2024
Destination City
Reykjavik
Course Description
Despite a population of less than 400 thousand and long distance from major markets Iceland is ranked amongst the world’s most progressive and successful countries. It has a high standard of living, is a world-leader in egalitarian indices and its domestic energy production is almost 100% green. Peaceful and safe, Iceland has an expansive government and extensive taxpayer-financed welfare system. What can we learn from Iceland? This GIX takes a critical look at Iceland and the challenges it faces because of manpower shortages, trade-offs between unspoiled nature and demand for green energy, as well as social impacts of the fisheries quota system. We will meet the government, world-leading companies, everyday Icelanders, and experience the famous natural wonders and the cultural and nightlife scene. You will return with sense of why and how the Icelandic model works, the challenges it faces, and whether it will remain sustainable and relevant as the world ventures further into the 21st century.