Part I

Introduction

Beginning last December 4, 2011 my Sunday columns have been re-visiting the global economic and financial crisis that erupted four years ago in light of two basic considerations. First, its unexpectedly long duration and the continued absence of confident signs of recovery. And second, the emergence of both a new geographic epicentre to the crisis (the European Union, replacing the United States) and a new set of economic contradictions stalling growth (persistent joblessness, faltering private consumption and investment in rich countries, …..