Report no 2-2010
The Åland Example is an interesting case study of a small autonomous area venturing out in the international field in order to impact and change the world. The report sheds light on the political driving forces behind the Åland Example and offers and increased understanding of the motives of these aspirations. The understanding of the Åland politicians of the use of the Åland Example internationally can be summed up by seeing Åland as a norm entrepreneur, whose task is to present the idea of the Åland Example. An image emerges, where, where realistic and idealistic theoretical explanations intermingles, not only in the framework of the use of the Åland Example generally, but also among each individual being interviewed, The politicians interviewed refers both to an interest in constructive dialogue and attempts to peaceful solutions in ongoing conflicts (altruism) and an aspiration to strengthen the position of the autonomy, both nationally and internationally. (The report is available in Swedish only)