A Continent at the Breaking Point: Europeans are rebelling against the demands of global capitalism

There is a chorus of complaint rising in Europe over the demands of global capitalism. Competitive pressures from the global economy, plus constant hectoring from English-speaking business gurus, have pushed Europe into painful reforms, from budget-cutting to corporate downsizing. But with unemployment above 12% in Germany and France and growth stalled below 3% around much of the continent, many Europeans have started to cry "enough." Even some of Europe's business elite are questioning how quickly Europe can force itself into the Anglo-Saxon mold of capitalism. The showdown between a Corporate Europe bent on following in Anglo-Saxon footsteps and a centuries-old tradition of social welfare will only intensify under the pressure of the global market. That could bring the new murmurs over Europe's economic model to shouting pitch.