> 1. can Europe maintain its social benefits and living standards with such anemic growth (that is, is the goal of more humane and equal society compatible with

> 1. can Europe maintain its social benefits and living standards with such anemic growth (that is, is the goal of more humane and equal society compatible with a robust economy) This is already being answered by reports like the one in the FT > 2. can the U.S. preserve its competitiveness and overall GDP performance if it imposes more regulations/taxes designed to reduce income disparities, provide more social services, etc. No, because it will turn the US into a country like all the ones mentioned in question 1