Why Americans should not misunderestimate Europe

Abstract

Many in the US “misunderestimate” Europe. From an economic perspective, exports by EU member countries to locations outside the EU are higher than US exports. On the political dimension, the US media has reported constantly on the “Euro crisis” but very few commentators have tried to explain the difficulties member states have faced in achieving an equitable resolution. Many European countries appear to be doing better than the US in preparing their companies and workers for the challenges and opportunities presented by an increasingly interconnected world. Rather than ridicule Europe, it is suggested the US should try to better understand why parts of that region are doing well, and attempt to adapt those best practices at home.

Keywords:

• Europe
• European Union
• American exceptionalism
• international trade

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Terrence Guay

Professor Terrence Guay is a clinical professor of International Business at Pennsylvania State University. Previously, he was a faculty member in the School of International Service at American University and the Maxwell School of Syracuse University. He served for 6 years as the Graduate Director of the Maxwell School’s International Relations Program. He also was a Regional Visiting Fellow at the Cornell University’s Institute for European Studies. Professor Guay’s research focuses on the competition between governments, international organizations, NGOs, and other non-state actors to shape business behavior and the international business environment. He has published two books and several articles and book chapters on: the effects of government policies on the global defense industry; cooperation and competition in transatlantic economic relations; the impact of economic sanctions on international business; NGOs and corporate codes of conduct; corporate social responsibility; and corporate political strategy.