OECD and European Welfare States

Edited by Klaus Armingeon, Chair of Political Science and Director, Institute of Political Science, University of Berne, Switzerland and Michelle Beyeler, University of Bern, Switzerland

'. . . thanks to Klaus Armingeon and Michelle Beyeler the discussion on the role of the OECD in welfare policy has at last found a sound empirical basis. This is a very welcome contribution to a debate that is too often characterised by big claims and little evidence. . . this volume is highly recommended to all people interested in understanding the development and reform of the welfare state.'

• Contents: 1. Introduction: A Comparative Study of the OECD and European Welfare States 2. Multilateral Surveillance and the OECD: Playing the Idea Game 3. The OECD as a Scientific Authority? The OECD’s Influence on Danish Welfare Policies 4. Finland: Considering OECD Guidelines but Within National Institutional Settings 5. Norway: An Amenable Member of the OECD 6. International Organisations and Welfare States at Odds? The Case of Sweden 7. Belgium: Increasing Critique by the OECD 8. France: Moving Reluctantly in the OECD’s Direction 9. The Netherlands: How OECD Ideas are Slowly Creeping In 10. Too Many Rivals? The OECD’s Influence on German Welfare Policies 11. Little Contention: Switzerland and the OECD 12. OECD Views on Greek Welfare: Not European Enough 13. Italy’s Adaptation Under External Pressures: Whose Influence? 14. The OECD and the Reformulation of Spanish Social Policy: A Combined Search for Expansion and Rationalisation 15. Mutual Admiration? OECD Advice to the UK 16. Ireland: Disinterested Commentary, But How Effective? 17. OECD and National Welfare State Development Index