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12 - The International Context

Is Norway Different?

from Part III - The Anti-Zionism of the Mainstream Left: The Case of Norway

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 July 2026

Torkel Brekke
Affiliation:
MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society
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Summary

The radicalization of Norwegian social democracy has led to a divergence from the positions held by trade unions and social democratic movements in neighboring Nordic countries. While the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (LO) has adopted increasingly critical stances towards Israel, calling for boycotts and using strong language to condemn Israeli policies, trade unions in Sweden, Denmark, and Finland have maintained more moderate positions. The chapter shows that the Norwegian approach is unique among Nordic countries. The close relationship between the LO and the Labor Party, formalized through institutions such as the Cooperation Committee, has allowed these radical positions to influence government policy. The analysis suggests that Norway’s radical stance on Israel and Palestine is not just a continuation of historical positions but represents a significant shift. This change has led to Norway being perceived as an outlier, not only among its Nordic neighbors but in a broader European context.

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  • The International Context
  • Torkel Brekke, MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society
  • Book: Antisemitism and Social Democracy
  • Online publication: 06 July 2026
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009783316.016
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  • The International Context
  • Torkel Brekke, MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society
  • Book: Antisemitism and Social Democracy
  • Online publication: 06 July 2026
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009783316.016
Available formats
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Save book to Google Drive

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.

  • The International Context
  • Torkel Brekke, MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society
  • Book: Antisemitism and Social Democracy
  • Online publication: 06 July 2026
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009783316.016
Available formats
×