Why American Collapse is a Warning to the World

Why Social Democracy is an Immune System Against Capitalism Metastasizing into Fascism and Authoritarianism

In recent essays, I’ve compared American capitalism to European social democracy — and pointed out that the latter is more successful in every way imaginable. So while the average Western European lives history’s longest, happiest, and richest life, the average American lives in a weird, bizarre, gruesome state: perched perpetually at the edge of ruin, living paycheck to paycheck, fearing their kids might be shot at school, dreading that they’ll have to choose between chemotherapy and bankrupting their loved ones, and watching extremists rampage through what’s left of their democracy.

Now, all of that might have (justifiably) left you with the impression that I’m saying something like: “Europe’s perfect!! America, go be Europe!!” In truth, I’m saying (or least hoping that I’m saying) something a little more subtle.

American collapse is a warning to the world. Of what happens when a society makes all the wrong choices of political economy. Choices that subjugate people — instead of liberate them. Any society can make such mistakes — not just America. And today, many are — even European ones. Hence, we see many of the same forces rising…