The Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics (SITE) are happy to welcome you to a book launch by economist Anders Åslund for his new book Sovjet – som det verkligen var (Soviet – As It Really Was). The event will be moderated by Torbjörn Becker.

Sweden is often celebrated as one of the happiest countries in the world – but what does life here really look like beneath the headlines? Drawing on one of the most comprehensive wellbeing studies ever conducted, this seminar explores how Swedes experience different aspects of their lives, including happiness, purpose, relationships, health, distress, and financial security.

Join us for the next SITE Seminar! On October 20, 2025, we are joined by Jens Ewald (University of Gothenburg), who will present his research “Shocking Electricity Prices and Carbon Tax Aversion.” Using a geographic regression discontinuity design and survey data from Swedish households, the study shows that exposure to sharply increased electricity prices significantly fuels opposition to carbon taxation—driven in large part by belief distortions about affordability and fairness.

Join us for the next SITE Seminar! On November 4, 2025, Mounir Karadja (Uppsala University) will present the study “Transnational Trauma: Mental Health Effects of War on Expatriates,” co-authored with Akib Khan, Linna Martén, and Jimena Romero Pinto. Using Swedish administrative data, the research reveals how the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine triggered a sharp increase in anxiety, insomnia, and later depression among Ukrainian migrants—highlighting the profound mental health toll of conflict even at a distance.

More info TBA!

More info TBA!