Since World War II, the European economy has focused on delivering its citizens social benefits such as equitable wages, universal healthcare, and generous unemployment insurance.

But is the European social model sustainable? Not without substantial reform, according the findings of this book.

Written by one of Europe’s most well-known and respected economists, the book seeks solutions for Europe mainly by comparing and contrasting its situation to that of the U.S. While the U.S. extends little of the European generous social welfare system, it has achieved a great deal more in the domains of efficiency, productivity, and innovation, and therefore offers key lessons to Europe.