A welfare state is not only an addition to social democracy. It is a precondition for democracy and a base for equality and freedom in any society. This book explains the fundamental relation between welfare state, justice, and democracy. It introduces several models of welfare state and explores how different countries organize social solidarity. It also responds to popular critique and challenges for the welfare state. Authored by the FES Academy for Social Democracy in Germany, this book invites Thai readers to deepen their understanding of a social democratic welfare system and to develop ideas on how to improve Thailand’s welfare system.