The transition paradox: navigating the path to becoming the world's first fossil-free welfare state

In this event we will delve into Sweden's journey towards becoming the world's first fossil-free welfare state.

Sweden has long been a pioneer in climate policy, but the green transition is threatened by the cost-of-living crisis and growing political polarization. For the first time in two decades, public policy is contributing to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions in Sweden. The country is exceptionally well-positioned to become the world's first fossil-free welfare state, offering the potential to create numerous job opportunities while securing sustainable growth and welfare.

However, the green transition is often perceived as costly and to be inducing a decrease in standard of living, potentially eroding the support for progressive climate policy. This paradox underscores the dilemma facing policymakers.

In this event, Mikael Damberg will share his insights on how Sweden can navigate this intricate path to becoming the world's first fossil-free welfare state. Join the conversation as we explore ways to move towards a greener, more sustainable future that benefits everyone.

Meet our speaker and chair

Mikael Damberg (@mikaeldamberg) has long experience in the field of economic and green policy.  Prior to serving on the Committee on Finance, Mr Damberg held the position of Minister for Finance, handling the economic consequences following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He served as Minister for Business, Industry and Innovation between 2014 and 2019, launching Sweden’s policy plan for the green industry transition.

Andrés Velasco (@AndresVelasco) is Professor of Public Policy and Dean of the School of Public Policy at LSE. He was previously the Minister of Finance of Chile between March 2006 and March 2010.

The Transition Paradox (09 October 2023)

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09 The new facts of life, Professor Emily Jackson

10 Children's visions of digital futures, Kym Sylwander & Aisling

11 How can data help us to understand and address complex problems? Dr Alexandra Gomes

13 What is it like to be interviewed by AI, and how will it transform research? Justine Nayral

12 Perceptions of inequality - what do we really know? Queena Chong

On the May 7th, 2025, India launched missile strikes on Pakistan in response to a terrorist attack in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir on April 22nd. On May 10th a ceasefire was reached following mediation from the United States. 

To discuss the US’ part in brokering a ceasefire, and the US’ responses to disputes between India and Pakistan over the past three decades, in June 2025 the Phelan US Centre spoke to Lisa Curtis, senior fellow and director of the Indo-Pacific Security Program at the Center for a New American Security. 

The conversation covers the recent India–Pakistan crisis and the US’ role, how US involvement in the Kashmir dispute has evolved over the years, and how China’s growing influence has complicated how the US approaches India–Pakistan relations. 

This episode was produced by Chris Gilson and Luke Digweed.   

Further reading and resources 

“How America Can Keep the Peace Between India and Pakistan”, Foreign Affairs, May 13, 2025 

“Democracy in South Asia amid U.S. Aid Cuts What’s at Stake for Great Power Competition”, Center for a New American Security, May 15. 2025 

LSE: The Ballpark | The US and India–Pakistan tensions with Lisa Curtis

In January 2025, the release of a new model and chatbot by Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) company, DeepSeek, sent shockwaves through the tech industry in the US and elsewhere. DeepSeek’s launch was only one milestone in the ongoing AI competition between China and the US which has seen the US try to restrict the exports of key components used in AI development to other countries.

In the second episode of The Ballpark’s miniseries on AI and the US, the Phelan US Centre explored the ongoing AI competition between China and the US with Angela Zhang, Professor of Law at the Gould School of Law of the University of Southern California. Professor Zhang is an expert on AI regulation, both in China and globally.

They spoke about China’s current approach to AI regulation, and how this compares with the US, and why China may be content with being a “close second” in the AI race.

Further reading and resources

•	High Wire: How China Regulates Big Tech and Governs Its Economy by Angela Huyue Zhang (Oxford University Press, 2024)
•	The Promise and Perils of China’s Regulation of Artificial Intelligence, Columbia Journal of Transnational Law, 21 January 2025


LSE: The Ballpark | The US-China AI race with Professor Angela Zhang

In response to what the US sees as potential growing threats from China and North Korea, nuclear weapons are becoming a more and more important part of US alliance commitments and partnerships in East Asia. But what does this focus on nuclear weapons for both deterrence and reassurance mean for US foreign policy and for the security of the region? And could there be an alternative which puts a greater focus on conventional armed forces?

To discuss these topics, in June 2025 the Phelan US Centre spoke to Dr Lauren Sukin about her recent article, in the Journal for Peace and Nuclear Disarmament, with Samuel Seitz of MIT, “Deemphasizing Nuclear Weapons in Nuclear Deterrence: The Case for Conventional Counterforce”. Dr Sukin is Assistant Professor in LSE’s Department of International Relations and a Centre Affiliate at the LSE Phelan US Centre. 

Further reading and resources

-	Seitz, S. and Sukin, L. (2025). Deemphasizing Nuclear Weapons in Nuclear Deterrence: The Case for Conventional Counterforce. Journal for Peace and Nuclear Disarmament, [online] 8(1), pp.15–35. 

LSE: The Ballpark | Deemphasizing Nuclear Weapons in Nuclear Deterrence with Dr Lauren Sukin

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The Transition Paradox (09 October 2023)

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