Getting Back to AAA Will Be Tough
The United States might be able to learn from the experiences of Canada and Finland but there are notable differences.
Nick Ottens
Nick Ottens is a public affairs officer for the Dutch Animal Coalition and a board member for Liberal Green, the sustainability network of the Dutch liberal party VVD. He is a former political risk consultant and a former research manager for XPRIZE, where he designed prize competitions to incentivize breakthrough innovation in agriculture, food and health care. He has also worked as a journalist in Amsterdam, Barcelona and New York for EUobserver, NRC, Trouw, World Politics Review and Wynia’s Week, among others.
What’s at the Root of London’s Riots
Decades of welfarism have fostered an entitlement mentality.
The Necessary Correction Finally Arrives
Stock markets tumble around the world. Austrians school economists saw it coming several years ago.
Fannie, Freddie Downgraded
The two semi-private mortgage giants were bail out by the United States government.
The Curious Case of Estonia: Where Austerity Works
After a deep contraction, one small Baltic nation cuts spending and wages to regain competitiveness.
European Central Bank to the Rescue
Frankfurt moves to purchase Italian and Spanish sovereign bonds in an attempt to defuse the European debt crisis.
American Politics Divided on Growth Strategy
Parties blame each other for their nation’s downgrade and are unable to find much common ground to help the recovery.
China’s Useless Aircraft Carrier
China is refurbishing a Soviet era carrier that poses no threat whatsoever to American naval dominance in the Pacific.
Social Security Has to Be Changed
America’s public pension system has to be reformed if it is to remain solvent but Democrats are opposed to changes.
Can America Afford Deeper Defense Cuts?
Military leaders and analysts warn against reducing defense spending by the hundreds of billions over the next ten years.
Sarkozy Fails to Revitalize French Economy
The French president’s economic policies have been unconvincing. His country remains uncompetitive compared to many of its neighbors.
Higher Tax Rates Won’t Boost Revenue
Income tax receipts in the United States have remained exceptionally constant in recent decades, whatever the top rates.
Spanish Conservatives Prepare for Government
Spaniards will probably give the conservatives a majority even though they have few specific economic plans.
Still Aiming for Strategic Reassurance?
The United States share responsibility for there not being a Sino-American dialogue.
Downgrade of American Debt Almost Inevitable
Despite a deal to cut government spending, the United States could lose their top credit rating.