American Conditions

Guest lecture at the Center for the Study of the Americas by Henrik Fogh Rasmussen

The United States has been widely criticised in recent years. Foreign policy aside, many Europeans have pointed to social inequality, unrestrained market forces, inner-city poverty, frightening crime rates, a haphazard system of health provision, and institutionalised discrimination against minorities. Films such as Michael Moore’s ‘Sicko’, which is highly critical of the American healthcare system, have attracted large and enthusiastic audiences across Europe. The phrase “American conditions” is sometimes used in warnings that the European countries may follow a similar path if some conservative politicians have their way.

In his book, Amerikanske Tilstande (published by CEPOS (Center for Politiske Studier) in Copenhagen), Henrik Fogh Rasmussen challenges many of these ideas. American conditions, he argues, compare very favourably with those in Denmark and other European countries.

Fogh’s claims have already provoked intense argument and controversy in the Danish press. The CBS Center for the Study of the Americas has invited Henrik Fogh to continue and extend the debate.

Organized by

The Center for the Study of the Americas

The Center for the Study of the Americas fosters research activities on cultural, political, economic and business issues within the American continents. Please read more about the Center - and join our mailing list - on our website.Further enquiries Center for the Study of the Americas, Copenhagen Business School, Dalgas Have 15, 2000 Frederiksberg. Mail: csa.eng@cbs.dk, phone: (+45) 3815 3389, web: www.cbs.dk/csa.