So many of the debates on the contemporary left come back to the legacy of social democracy. Some pine for a return to this seemingly idyllic time, while others point out its inadequacies and urge us to look beyond the welfare state. Since the Swedish experience in the postwar era came closest to fulfilling social-democratic ideals, it is enormously instructive for these discussions.

I spoke with Petter Nilsson of Sweden’s Left Party about social democracy in his country and its broader meaning. The interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.