Paul Krugman, professor of Economics and International Affairs at Princeton University and Nobel Prize in Economics, makes a convincing case for the European economic and social model in The New York Times, opposing the conservatives' view that the old continent is not competitive and has lost its economic dynamism. Read his column here.

With America's version of capitalism seemingly heading for bankruptcy, is there a crisis-proof economic model that can shape the 21st century?

In THE WORLD'S NEXT SUPERMODEL, three prominent thinkers argue for competing economic models, including Europe, Asia and Brazil. The proposals for these models are discussed by expert "judges," in a lively debate, examining them on the basis of issues such as social stability, environmental sustainability, government and market relationship, and their crisis-proof nature.

Labels: Asia, Brazil, economics, Europe, macro-economy, Paul Krugman, world affairs

As reported by Reuters (via Yahoo News), after being carried to re-election by his popularity with the poor, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is striving to reassure the business community he will not abandon market-friendly policies to create jobs and boost income.

Lula's balancing act between his political base and the economic and political elite is aptly captured in the documentary LULA'S BRAZIL, which as it tells of his rise to power also examines the achievements as well as the failures of his presidency compared to his campaign promises, revealing how his ambitious plans have been frustrated by a clash with national and international economic interests.

Labels: Brazil, elections, Latin America, Lula, politics