Since the problems the world is now facing are pretty much unprecedented, it seems to make sense to approach the situation with no preconceived ideas, and to focus simply on “what works”.
In that vein, this article from The Daily Beast is interesting for one simple quote:
“it’s interesting to note that it’s the countries with a strong welfare model that seem to have weathered the economic crisis best.”
It is also interesting to realise that the presidency of the EU shifts to Denmark next year. A small country leading the continent, at least nominally.