Capitalism and Democracy in Europe

Catalog description

Europe is widely viewed as the birthplace of industrial capitalism and mass democracy. Despite pioneering these two key forms of governance, Europeans are today questioning whether democratic capitalism can respond to the challenges of demographic diversity, inequality, climate stress and geopolitics. After decades of political stability, countries are contending with extremist, anti-democratic parties. After decades of growth, Europeans have experienced repeated bouts of economic turbulence. And more recently, Europe confronts the dangers of fundamental geopolitical change. How, in these circumstances, can Europe integrate growing numbers of migrants? Will Europe remain an engine of economic growth and a source of geopolitical stability? Should Europe’s democracies respond to these challenges individually by sharpening their national identities. Or does a better future lie in collectively strengthening the institutions of supranational governance through the European Union?