Just 25 years ago, Europe was engaged in a process of democratization and integration.

The EU, with an expanded number of member-states, became a symbol of a

democratic, peaceful and prosperous Union. However, recent years have seen the

reversal of democratization in many of the countries that went through political

transition in the 1990s. Even in established democracies, growing authoritarian

tendencies have been apparent in the rise of populism and political polarisation and

questions over the rule of law.

Focusing on threats to Swedish liberal democracy in a time of autocratization to

explore wider crises democracy is currently facing around the globe, Problems in

Paradise? explores eight interactive sub-societies crucial for a dynamic and persistent

liberal democracy: the political, the judicial, the bureaucratic, the economic, the

educational, the media, the civil, and the international.

Fully embracing the wide range of challenges liberal democracy has faced in recent

years, this book offers a deepened understanding of contemporary changes and

challenges to liberal democracy.