America & Sweden:

How do we see each other? Among the Nordic countries, Sweden has been quick to adopt American lifestyle trends and welcomed American culture. At the same time many in Sweden find America's right wing politics, the continuing importance of religion in society and America's engagement in war difficult to understand. Americans love IKEA, and admire cool Swedish design and environmental consciousness. But socialism? No thanks. In this first in our the ACS Discussion Series on Sweden and America we consider the pictures that Swedes and Americans have of each other and consider the myths and realities behind these perceptions.