The modern French and American polities may have evolved quite differently, notably where the role of the state is concerned, but both emerged as highly codified, anti-clerical, secular republics.

ECONOMIST: French anti-Americanism

If European politicians don't begin to tackle the laborious task of creating polities based on popular consultation and accountability, the EU will ultimately founder--and it won't be because some local restaurant is fleecing confused customers.

FORBES: Fact and Comment

What the author could not have anticipated was that today's frictions include not just the protectionism, resentment of immigrants, financial fragility and overburdened polities of the late 19th century, but the prospect of war as well.

ECONOMIST: Lessons from the Great Depression