Economists disagree on what ails the economies of continental western Europe, which are widely perceived to be underperforming in terms of productivity and other metrics. Is it some deficiency in their economic systemin economic institutions or cultural attitudes? Is it some effect of their...

Many countries have experienced major economic changes since the mid-1980s as a result of the deregulation and liberalization of national financial systems – two key aspects of globalization – with some experiencing boom and bust in rapid succession. The small Northern European country of...