European Union

At the start of the 21st Century the global experts predicted this would mean the rise of Europe and decline of America. Europe had the right model to lead. They had a high quality of life, long life expectancy, low poverty rates, high social net protection, lots of leisure time and well-trained work force. So, what happened. Through a series of government decisions, led by people within the bureaucracy, unforced errs were made. A combination of climate activist and pro war leaders moved the continent toward economic collapse. Instead of a united Europe they have 25 separate countries all looking out for themselves. There is no national leader and various self-interested groups are involved in threatening unity. Adding to their woes is Trump’s demand for fair trade rules and for these countries to stop relying on the US for their protection. The result of all the great benefits the people enjoyed was low productivity. Some even go so far as to say they became lazy. For example, the US has 330 million people and a GDP of $27.7 trillion which is $84,000 per capita. The European Union with a population of 449 million has GDP of $29.2 trillion or $64,500 per capita. Some say the US people work too many hours and the European people work too few.