Nothing bothers the European elite as much as American conservatives praising the European foundations of their shared, but threatened, Western civilization.

Europeans especially resent having their social-welfare state system critiqued by upstart, crass Americans.

Their pique only increases as they push back against the condescending American idea that the United States could possibly offer any constructive advice, much less help a more civilized Europe follow the “American model.”

Americans, in turn, are worried that Europe is not just stagnating but is on a trajectory of permanent decline — with dire consequences for the entire Western world.

As for symptoms, the US cites a steadily declining European share of world GDP. 

It points to Europe’s unsustainable 1.39 fertility rate, which ensures a steadily smaller, older and costlier native population.

More than 10% of Europe’s resident population is now foreign-born — some 45 million people. 

However, the European host, unlike classless America, does not have a long tradition of melting-pot........

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