The euro zone peripheral countries face a profound sovereign debt crisis threatening the very existence of the euro as we know it. Therefore, the study of the various factors contributing to this crisis is of the utmost importance. Given the set of the twelve initial member States, the euro zone...

The amount of outstanding U.S. sovereign debt has become a reason for worldwide concern especially after S&P downgraded it on August 5, 2011. The underlying analysis con-ducted by that rating agency followed the same methodological approach it applies to any other country’s sovereign debt...

The eurozone faces a profound sovereign debt crisis threatening the very existence of the euro. As a result, the recovery of the world economy has become more uncertain. Therefore, the study of the foundations of this crisis is of the utmost importance. Three of the countries involved, Portugal,...