James Martin Memorial Lecture: "Is Europe Losing the Future?" with Paul Krugman

Paul Krugman posed a piercing question at the James Martin Memorial Lecture: Is Europe losing its future? The Nobel Prize-winning economist turned his gaze across the Atlantic, examining Europe's growth potential, innovative vitality, and social model resilience in the face of the triple pressures of globalization's retreat, intensifying technological competition, and the energy transition. The core focus was not only Krugman's diagnosis of Europe's economic woes but also his reconstruction of the definition of "future"—when demographic structures, geopolitics, and climate goals intertwine, can Europe's choices serve as a universal reference for developed economies? The speech continued his signature sharp wit, using data as a blade to dissect policy illusions. It is suitable for audiences interested in global economic trends, European affairs, or Krugman's thought; it is also appropriate for learners who wish to transcend the perspective of a single nation and understand the path of differentiation in contemporary capitalism. It is recommended to pay attention to the argument chain he presents when comparing the "innovation ecosystems" of the US and Europe, and to consider whether his conclusions are applicable to the Asian context. The entire lecture combines academic depth with real-world concerns, providing a rare entry point for understanding the current economic challenges in the West.